Officials in Mississippi have posted a billboard at their state line, welcoming visitors to the state.
And reminding them to behave.
Their simple, and thought-provoking message, is, “WELCOME TO MISSISSIPPI. WHERE THE FIRING SQUAD IS LEGAL. THINK TWICE.”
A report from WREG said it’s on Interstate 55 southbound as travelers come from Tennessee.
The messaging, including the billboard, was announced by DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton.
New Mississippi billboard warns criminals: ‘Firing squad is legal’ https://t.co/WwnhOovh3s
— Louisiana First News (@LAFirstNews) May 8, 2026
The billboard references Mississippi’s law permitting execution by firing squad under certain circumstances for inmates sentenced to death. https://t.co/MT39kp4C87 pic.twitter.com/20bhIknkri
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) May 8, 2026
The message references state law allowing for execution by firing squad when there are certain circumstances presence in a crime.
“We are going to be loud and clear that DeSoto County does not coddle violent criminals. If you bring violence across our state line, we are going to prosecute you aggressively and hold you accountable,” Barton said. “People on death row are the losers of life’s lottery… If violent criminals are looking for a state that coddles crime, Mississippi is not it. They’d better think twice before they act here.”
An earlier billboard campaign by Barton said, “TURN BACK NOW,” addressing a warning to criminals to stay away.
The firing squad has been possible in the state since 2017 when lawmakers authorized death penalty legislation.
