NPR reported that before Tennessee’s prisons chief stepped down following what the outlet called a “horrific failed execution,” he had overseen botched executions in Arizona. NPR added that a review of Arizona’s execution protocols “spelled out serious issues.”
What NPR reported
The account aired on Morning Edition on Oct. 7, 2026, and is credited to Chiara Eisner and Michel Martin. NPR characterized the Tennessee execution as a “horrific failed” attempt and said earlier executions in Arizona were botched under the same official’s oversight.
Arizona protocol review
According to NPR, a review of Arizona’s execution procedures identified “serious issues.” NPR did not include further details about the review in the portion available to us.
