Nitrogen gas execution: How it works
CNN — Alabama inmate Kenneth Smith was put to death Thursday night, marking the nation’s first known execution using nitrogen gas. This month, United Nations experts raised the alarm that Smith’s execution could constitute torture, saying in a news release, “We are concerned that nitrogen hypoxia would result in a painful and humiliating death.” While doctors couldn’t say definitely, ahead of the execution, what would happen to Smith, the possibilities left many concerned. “When we put 100% non-rebreather face masks on our patients, they never get 100%, because there’s some leakage,” Groner said before Smith’s execution. The Department of Corrections altered Smith’s last meal schedule after concerns were raised that he had been “vomiting repeatedly.” Even if a person is fasting, they can still vomit water or stomach fluids, experts say.
Alabama seeks to carry out 2nd execution using controversial nitrogen gas method
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