ATMORE, Alabama – On Thursday night, Kenneth Smith, an Alabama death row inmate, was executed by nitrogen gas, a new method of execution in the United States. This marked the first time a death row inmate died by nitrogen gas, a method that experts have warned could lead to extreme pain or even torture. Smith, convicted for his involvement in a 1988 murder for hire, had survived the state’s initial attempt to execute him by lethal injection in 2022.
The U.S. Supreme Court had denied Smith’s last-minute appeal to halt the execution after declining a similar request on Wednesday. Smith’s time of death was announced as 8:25 p.m. local time, with officials confirming that nitrogen was administered for about 15 minutes. Witnesses from the media reported that Smith made a lengthy statement before his death, expressing his thoughts and appreciation before passing away.
During the execution process, Smith appeared conscious for several minutes, followed by shaking and writhing on a gurney before his breath slowed and eventually ceased. There were conflicting reports from witnesses and officials regarding any involuntary movements or agonal breathing during the process. Smith’s spiritual adviser described the execution as “the most horrible thing I’ve ever seen,” while the son of the victim stated that Smith’s death brought justice for his mother.
Smith’s legal team expressed deep sadness over his death, highlighting his personal growth and contributions during his time in prison. The execution method, known as nitrogen hypoxia, had raised widespread concern from various parties, including the United Nations, due to its untested nature and potential for inflicting pain and suffering.
All these events have sparked a nationwide debate on the ethics and humanity of executing condemned individuals with unproven methods, stirring concerns about the impact of such execution practices on the families and loved ones of both the victims and the perpetrators.