I’ve worked for FADP for five years, but, until this month, I had never actually been present outside the prison during an execution vigil. I’m based in New York, where I have worked for FADP remotely. But now that law school is in my rearview mirror, I was able to be there during Tuesday’s execution of Andrew Lukehart. I was overjoyed to meet so many people I’ve only ever emailed, called, or worked alongside from afar, even as we gathered for such a heartbreaking reason.
Andy was deeply remorseful for the impulsive, panicked actions he took as a 22-year-old. He had changed profoundly over the course of nearly 30 years in prison. He was committed to his faith, and posed no threat to anyone.
As I stood outside the prison with the crowd of dedicated abolitionists who come to pray, sing, and bear witness to this act of state violence, I was surprised by the anger that I felt. I kept thinking “This is so unnecessary.” Not the vigil. Not the act of showing up. The execution itself.
Florida had already won. Andy had been incarcerated for nearly three decades. I couldn’t stop thinking about how senseless it was to kill a man who was remorseful and safely confined. I was angry that no future violence was prevented. We simply chose, as a state, to take a life that never needed to be taken.
Andrew “Andy” Lukehart | April 10, 1973 – June 2, 2026
FADP’s Statement on the Execution of Andrew Lukehart
Take Action for Dusty Ray Spencer
Florida’s next execution is set for June 25, 2026 at 6 pm. 74-year-old Dusty Ray Spencer after more than 34 years on death row. Five jurors voted for life when the case was tried, and the court itself recognized mitigating evidence, including his honorable service in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he participated in rescue missions in the Philippines. Today, Dusty is elderly, seriously ill, and deeply committed to his faith. He is not the same man who arrived on death row and poses no threat to society. Take action now to prevent this senseless execution:
- Sign the Petition
- Send a Letter to Gov. DeSantis
- Attend or Host a Vigil
- Participate in Death Penalty Action’s For Whom the Bells Toll Campaign
Before his execution, Andy shared a playlist with those he loved. I’ve listened to it several times since Tuesday, and you can listen here. It’s a simple reminder that behind every death warrant is a human being with relationships, memories, favorite songs, and people who will miss them. Thank you for helping us preserve that humanity, even when our state refuses to.
Onward,
Bridget Maloney
FADP Communications Director