Alabama on Thursday plans to carry out the nation's second
execution using nitrogen goes The state is scheduled to put
59 year old Allen Miller to death.
This is a new method of execution that the state
of Alabama developed in which a respirator type mask is
strapped over the inmate's face while he is in turn
strapped to a Gurney and through the mass the state
pumps pure nitrogen or close to it to replace his
breathing oxygen, which causes the person to die.
Alabama developed this new execution method as an alternative to
lethal injection, which does remain the state's primary execution method.
The state maintains that this is humane, it works quickly,
and that inmates essentially pass away from lack of oxygen.
However, opponents are citing what happened during Smith's execution where
he appeared to shake on the Gurney in like seizure
like convulsions for at least 2 minutes followed by several
minutes of like deep gasping breaths as a sign that
there are problems or at least that there are questions
that should be answered about this method before it is
used.
Again, I should note that Miller was challenging this in
in a court fight, but he entered into a settlement
with the state which is confidential.
We don't know exactly what the state agreed to, but
Miller was asking for things to make sure.
Things such as making sure the mask was fitted to
his face and that he would receive an oral sedative
before the gas was administered.