Florida is on the brink of carrying out its 12th execution of 2025, marking the fastest and deadliest pace of executions in the state’s history. On Wednesday, September 17, David Pittman is scheduled to be executed, a stark reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding the death penalty, systemic injustice, and the cycles of violence that continue to affect communities across the state.

The Human Toll Behind the Death Penalty

The story of David Pittman illustrates the broader societal and systemic failures that often underlie capital punishment cases. Pittman’s childhood was marked by extreme poverty, severe neglect, and violence. From the age of four, his mother admitted to regularly whipping him with a belt, while financial limitations prevented him from receiving the psychiatric care he desperately needed. These early traumas, coupled with lack of community support, contributed to the life circumstances that ultimately led to his criminalization.

The scheduled execution of David Pittman highlights a critical question: does state-sanctioned killing provide justice, or does it perpetuate cycles of violence? Experts and advocates argue that the death penalty does not enhance public safety, prevent future crimes, or deliver meaningful justice. Instead, it reinforces a culture of retribution and normalizes violence as a governmental response.

Calls to Action

Activists and organizations like the Florida Abolitionist Death Penalty (FADP) are mobilizing to prevent Pittman’s execution and draw attention to broader systemic issues. Those who wish to take action can:

• Sign petitions advocating for David Pittman’s life, with FADP pledging to deliver signatures directly to the Governor’s office.
• Attend vigils and protests at Florida State Prison or in local communities, with online participation also available for those unable to attend in person.
• Contact Governor DeSantis to demand a halt to Pittman’s execution, urging reconsideration of the human, social, and ethical dimensions of the case.

Following David Pittman, the state has scheduled additional executions, including Victor Jones on September 30 and Samuel Smithers on October 14. Victor Jones, a survivor of brutal abuse at Florida’s Okeechobee School for Boys, experienced severe trauma at the hands of the very system that is now calling for his execution. Despite the state formally recognizing his suffering and issuing compensation, Governor DeSantis signed his death warrant, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable individuals in the justice system.

Educational and Community Outreach

In parallel with advocacy efforts, community-based events are aiming to raise awareness about the death penalty’s impacts. Law professor and author Corinna Barrett Lain, who wrote Secrets of the Killing State, led a special evening in Tallahassee, hosted by FADP and Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty. The event, free and open to the public, offered insights into the systemic failures of capital punishment and included a livestream for remote audiences, reinforcing the importance of public engagement in policy debates.

The Broader Implications

Florida’s rapid pace of executions underscores how the death penalty can amplify cycles of violence rather than alleviate them. Critics note that executions often fail to consider the historical and personal circumstances that shape an individual’s life, including poverty, abuse, and systemic neglect. Instead, these cases frequently highlight racial, economic, and social inequities in the justice system.

Beyond the moral and ethical questions, research consistently shows that capital punishment does not effectively deter crime. Advocates argue for alternative approaches focused on rehabilitation, restorative justice, and societal support to address the root causes of violence.

As Florida prepares to carry out its 12th execution, it also raises urgent questions about the future of the death penalty in the United States. Citizens, activists, and legal experts continue to challenge the use of state-sanctioned killing, emphasizing that justice should aim to heal rather than perpetuate harm.

For those looking to take action, participate in vigils, or learn more about the ongoing fight to end capital punishment, visit Sustainable Action Now’s Death Penalty resources.