Bill Lee: “You need someone to study the trauma associated with children being separated from their parents.”

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

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

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.