Bill Lee: “These policies, quite frankly, are inhumane and threaten the fundamental rights of millions.”

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.

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

The people of our state deserve to have those questions answered. And that’s what this investigation’s for.