Alabama executed a death row inmate using the controversial method of nitrogen hypoxia on January 26th, 2024, marking the first use of this risky technique in the United States.
Alabama used nitrogen hypoxia, a method involving the inmate breathing pure nitrogen gas until oxygen deprivation leads to asphyxiation and death. Nitrogen, constituting 75% of normal air, displaces oxygen, causing loss of consciousness, convulsions, and death.
Alabama, along with Oklahoma and Mississippi, approved nitrogen hypoxia as an alternative to injection and electrocution.
The execution of Kenneth Smith, convicted for a 1988 contract killing, occurred using a nitrogen gas mask. Smith’s execution began at 7:53 PM, with visible shaking and struggling before being pronounced dead at 8:25 PM. The gas mask remained on for 5 minutes after he flatlined, with officials claiming the expected shaking and angled breathing.

Alabama faced scrutiny after a failed lethal injection attempt on Smith in 2022, contributing to considering nitrogen hypoxia as a viable alternative. Four botched injections since 2018 raised concerns about the reliability of the previous method.
Human rights experts argue nitrogen hypoxia might lead to unnecessary suffering and could amount to torture.
Alabama claims unconsciousness sets in before death, but there are risks of nitrogen leaks, potentially causing harm to execution team members.
Alabama’s previous failed lethal injection attempts and the move to nitrogen hypoxia as an alternative method have faced scrutiny. Concerns include the potential for suffering, torture, and risks associated with the execution process.
The execution method and the controversy surrounding nitrogen hypoxia highlight broader discussions about the ethics and human rights aspects of capital punishment.
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