Bill Lee: “And so following up on that, I would like to know the steps that your agency will be taking to comply with this…”

The people of Tennessee have determined that the death penalty is the appropriate penalty for the most heinous crimes in the state.

Carrying out a lawfully imposed sentence is among the State’s most serious responsibilities, and the people of Tennessee expect it to be done in a manner that is not only legal and constitutional, but is effective.

I will seek an independent investigation and pause all executions for the rest of 2026.

I have ordered a pause on all executions for the remainder of the year.