But there was a problem: execution by firing squad requires at least three executioners, and despite weeks of searching, George W. Cowing, warden of the Nevada State Prison in Carson City, was unable to find three volunteer marksmen willing to shoot Andriza Mircovich. With the set execution date of August 29 fast approaching, Cowing desperately tried to dissuade Mircovich and convince him to accept hanging instead. But Mircovich refused to back down, and Cowing, having run out of options, instead ordered the construction of a mechanical firing squad – or shooting machine.
The device was designed to be operated by anyone, no shooting skills required. The three operators knew that only two of the triggering devices worked, so that there was a chance that a particular operator did not kill a helplessly bound prisoner at the state's behest. Read about the automated firing squad that was only used once at Today I Found Out.
(Image credit: Nevada State Prison)
