AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The director of the Texas Department of Public Safety says pharmacies that supply execution drugs should be kept a secret because they could be in danger.
Steven McCraw’s letter was released Thursday by the Texas Attorney General’s office, which cited it in ruling that state prison officials don’t have to identify where they purchase the drug used to execute inmates.
That ruling reversed the AG’s long-held position.
McCraw’s letter says pharmacies are “soft targets” for criminals, but didn’t specify any threats previously received.
Attorneys for death-row inmates say they need to know who is supplying the drug to ensure that executions are carried out safely. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice says it must shield its supplier’s identity to ensure safety and protect its supply of drugs.
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