Utah Senator John Curtis sharply criticized a proposed public execution of an Army officer convicted in a 2009 mass shooting, comparing it to ancient Roman gladiatorial violence. Curtis told FOX 13 he opposes making executions public spectacles.

The comments mark Curtis taking a clear position on capital punishment procedure as he serves in his first term representing Utah in the Senate. Curtis is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and previously served as Provo mayor and a congressman.