Bill Lee: “I think it is a really important issue that I am going to stay on until no one is being mistreated.”

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

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 hope that Tennessee governor Bill Lee’s decision to postpone the last execution scheduled for this year will give lawmakers time to consider the subject seriously.