First U.S. Execution Using Nitrogen Gas Sparks Controversy

Witnesses report Kenneth Eugene Smith convulsed and gasped for air for several minutes, contradicting claims of 'unconsciousness in seconds'.

Kenneth Eugene Smith, convicted for a 1988 murder-for-hire, was executed using nitrogen gas in Alabama, marking the nation's first execution using this method.
Witnesses, including five news reporters and Smith's spiritual advisor, reported that Smith convulsed, shook, and gasped for air for several minutes before his death, contradicting state lawyers' claims that nitrogen hypoxia would ensure 'unconsciousness in seconds'.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall characterized the execution as 'textbook' and vowed to continue using nitrogen gas in executions, offering to assist other states interested in the method.
The execution has drawn criticism from civil rights and religious groups, with United Nations human rights experts stating it 'will likely violate the prohibition on torture'.
This execution follows a botched attempt to execute Smith by lethal injection in 2022, which was halted when doctors failed to find a suitable vein for the injection after trying for hours.