Bill Lee: “The cessation of smoking, of course, is the number one preventive behavior change.”

It’s a tragedy, and it’s deeply disturbing that that has happened in this state. The people deserve better than that.

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.

It’s exactly why we will have a thorough, comprehensive review of what happened, so that we can know the answers that so many people want.

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