Witnesses to Alabama's first nitrogen execution expressed serious concerns about the process, describing Kenneth Smith's violent reactions and apparent struggle for breath as alarming signs of distress.
Despite issues raised during earlier executions, Alabama's attorney general praised the technique, stating it was executed 'textbook' and positioning Alabama as a leader for other states exploring nitrogen gas for capital punishment.
Nitrogen hypoxia, the method being used by Alabama, is characterized by a lack of oxygen from the pure nitrogen gas, leading to a fatal but allegedly painless suffocation.
The execution of Alan E. Miller marks Alabama's second use of nitrogen gas, following an unprecedented execution earlier this year that left witnesses questioning the method's humanity.
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