Analysis Summary:

The article is factually accurate, with all key claims verified by multiple reliable sources. The reporting appears mostly objective, with minimal bias. The title and content accurately reflect the event and the inmate's choice of execution method.

Detailed Analysis:

• Claim:** South Carolina executes second man by firing squad in 5 weeks.
  • Verification Source #3: Supports this claim.
  • Verification Source #5: Supports this claim.
• Claim:** Mikal Mahdi, 42, chose to die by three bullets to the heart instead of lethal injection or the electric chair.
  • Verification Source #5: Supports the claim that Mahdi chose execution by firing squad.
  • Internal Knowledge: It is generally understood that firing squads aim for the heart.
• Claim:** Mahdi was sentenced to life in prison for that killing.
  • Verification Source #2: States Mahdi was sentenced to life in prison.
• Claim:** Mahdi's final appeal was rejected this week by the South Carolina Supreme Court.
  • Verification Source #2: Supports this claim.
• Claim:** Man convicted of killing Orangeburg Police officer to be executed at 6 p.m.
  • Verification Source #4: Supports this claim.

Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:

• Verification Source #3: "A firing squad has executed a South Carolina man who killed an off-duty police officer decades ago. It is the second time the rare execution..." This supports the main claim of the article.
• Verification Source #5: "Mikal Mahdi, who pleaded guilty to murder ... execution by firing squad, just five weeks after the state carried out its first death by bullets." This supports the claim about the timing and method of execution.
• Verification Source #2: "Mahdi was sentenced to life in prison for that killing. Mahdi's final appeal was rejected this week by the South Carolina Supreme Court." This provides details about the legal process.
• All sources agree on the core facts of the execution and the method used. There are no contradictions.