KNOXVILLE, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Two prominent East Tennessee lawmakers agree Tennessee’s execution system needs to change following the failed execution attempt of death row inmate Christa Gail Pike, but they sharply disagree on what those changes should be.
State Rep. Gloria Johnson, a Knoxville Democrat and longtime opponent of capital punishment, is calling for Tennessee to eliminate the death penalty entirely. Congressman Tim Burchett, a Knoxville Republican who supports capital punishment in certain cases, says the state should retain the death penalty but consider different methods of execution.
The debate comes after the state’s Sept. 30 attempt to execute Pike failed despite the administration of two doses of lethal injection drugs. Governor Bill Lee has since ordered an independent review of the incident and suspended Tennessee’s remaining scheduled executions for 2026.
Johnson: End the Death Penalty
Johnson said she was concerned about the execution even before it began, citing the state’s earlier failed attempt to execute death row inmate Tony Carruthers.
“I was filled with dread the entire day, knowing what happened last time,” Johnson said.
The Knoxville lawmaker said the outcome reinforced her longstanding opposition to capital punishment and strengthened her belief that Tennessee should move toward ending executions altogether.
“It just makes me want to make sure that we work this year to not only end it through 2026, but to get rid of the death penalty,” Johnson said.
She suggested lawmakers should at minimum establish a moratorium on executions before ultimately removing capital punishment from state law.
Johnson argued that life without the possibility of parole provides sufficient punishment, even in the most serious criminal cases.
“I’m not denying that she committed a heinous crime and there has to be consequences for that crime,” Johnson said. “But life in prison without the possibility of parole is sufficient.”
Johnson also raised questions about former Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada, who resigned this week amid the aftermath of the failed execution and the governor’s independent review.
State Rep. Gloria Johnson (WVLT)
Burchett: Keep Capital Punishment, Change the Method
Burchett said he was shocked by the outcome of Pike’s execution attempt and agrees Tennessee should pause executions while officials determine what went wrong.
“It’s probably the only call,” Burchett said. “We’re not effective.”
However, unlike Johnson, Burchett said he believes Tennessee should continue using the death penalty in certain cases, particularly those involving the rape or murder of children.
Instead of eliminating capital punishment, Burchett said Tennessee should consider abandoning lethal injection altogether.
“I think we better get away from that completely,” Burchett said.
He pointed to alternatives such as firing squads, the electric chair, and hanging, arguing those methods leave less room for procedural failures.
Burchett also emphasized that discussions surrounding the failed execution should not lose sight of crime victims and their families.
“I think we need to quit worrying about the dirtbag criminals and start worrying about the victims and their families,” Burchett said.
Legislature Expected to Take Up the Issue
Both lawmakers expect the General Assembly to address Tennessee’s execution procedures when lawmakers return to Nashville.
Johnson said she anticipates Democratic lawmakers introducing legislation aimed at ending the death penalty.
Burchett, who previously served 16 years in the Tennessee Legislature, believes lawmakers will closely examine execution methods and protocol failures exposed by the Pike case.
“I think they’ll study it pretty quick,” Burchett said.
Review Continues
Governor Bill Lee has tasked former U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton with conducting an independent review into the failed execution attempt.
The review will examine whether Tennessee’s execution protocol was properly followed and whether changes are needed to ensure future procedures are lawful and effective.
For now, Tennessee’s remaining scheduled executions have been put on hold while the investigation continues.
Although Johnson and Burchett disagree about the future of capital punishment, both say the state cannot continue with its current execution process.
“I think that we have got to change what we do,” Johnson said.
Burchett offered a similar conclusion.
“Get it right,” he said. “There’s a formula out there that works, and we’re obviously not doing it.”
