Alabama Executes Death Row Prisoner Using Controversial Method of Nitrogen Gas

In a historic move, Alabama became the first state to execute a death row prisoner using nitrogen gas on Thursday, potentially paving the way for the wider use of this highly controversial method in prison executions. The execution of Kenneth Smith, who had previously survived a lethal injection attempt in 2022, took place at the execution chamber in Atmore, a rural town near the Florida state line.

Governor Kay Ivey's office confirmed the execution of Smith, 58, which occurred at 8:25 p.m. local time. According to a press release by the state Department of Corrections, the process took approximately 22 minutes. Disturbingly, Smith appeared to remain conscious for several minutes after the gas began to flow. Witnesses reported that he shook, writhed, and even pulled against the restraints of his gurney for over two minutes. After some time, Smith's breathing seemed to slow down until it eventually stopped.

In his final statement, Smith expressed his disappointment in Alabama's decision, stating, "Tonight Alabama causes humanity to take a step backwards... I'm leaving with love, peace, and light." He also made an "I love you" sign to his family members who were present during the execution, conveying his gratitude and love for their support.

The execution method, known as "nitrogen hypoxia," involved placing a respirator mask over Smith's face and forcing him to breathe pure nitrogen, which causes a fatal deprivation of oxygen. Alabama officials had previously assured that this method would render Smith unconscious within seconds and lead to his death within minutes.

The execution, originally scheduled for 6 p.m. local time, faced a delay as Smith's lawyers made a last-minute appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to stay the execution. However, the appeal was denied shortly before 8 p.m., allowing Smith to be brought to the death chamber. The dissenting opinions came from the court's three liberal justices, Elena Kagan, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Sonia Sotomayor. The previous day, the Supreme Court had declined to intervene in Smith's case.

Adding to the controversy, a federal appeals court also declined to halt the execution in a separate ruling late Wednesday. This decision further solidified Alabama's determination to proceed with the execution.

Smith's final meal was served at breakfast, marking the end of his journey through the justice system. As Alabama pioneers the use of nitrogen gas in executions, the debate surrounding the potential pain and suffering caused by this method is likely to intensify. The execution of Kenneth Smith raises important questions about the ethics and humanity of capital punishment.