Gov. Bill Lee 'not compelled' to witness execution

August 25, 2019 at 9:32 a.m. | Updated August 25, 2019 at 9:34 a.m.

by Associated Press

In this March 4, 2019, file photo, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee delivers his first State of the State Address in Nashville, Tenn. Lee has announced when he'll call a special legislative session in order to allow the GOP-controlled House to elect a new speaker. He said Thursday, June 27, that lawmakers will be called to the Tennessee Capitol on August 23. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
In this March 4, 2019, file photo, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee delivers his first State of the State Address in Nashville, Tenn. Lee has announced when he'll call a special legislative session in order to allow the GOP-controlled House to elect a new speaker. He said Thursday, June 27, that lawmakers will be called to the Tennessee Capitol on August 23. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee says he doesn't feel compelled to witness an execution as Tennessee continues to put people to death.

Lee, a Republican, was offered a witness seat after he declined to stop the past two executions since taking over Tennessee's top political office in January. Three more executions are scheduled to take place through early 2020.

Lee told reporters on Thursday that he has considered witnessing an execution in his lifetime. But he said he has not felt the need to do so in his time as Tennessee governor.

A media witness to an execution last week said afterward that he was "taking a break" and offered his seat to the governor.

Governors have a key role in deciding whether to intervene in a death penalty case.

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