Alabama calls nitrogen execution method painless and humane, but critics are raising doubts

By KIM CHANDLER
Associated Press

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama intends to put a man to death with nitrogen gas this week unless stopped by the courts. It would be the first execution attempt with the method in the United States. Kenneth Eugene Smith is scheduled to be executed Thursday evening at a south Alabama prison. Alabama plans have a gas mask put over the 58-year-old’s face to replace his breathing air with pure nitrogen gas and kill him. The Alabama attorney general’s office says using nitrogen gas is the most painless and humane method created. But some doctors and critics say what exactly Smith will feel is unknown.