Alabama is seeking to become the first state to execute a prisoner by making him breathe pure nitrogen

Alabama is seeking to become the first state to execute a prisoner by making him breathe pure nitrogen.

The Alabama attorney general’s office on Friday asked the state Supreme Court to set an execution date for death row inmate Kenneth Eugene Smith, 58. The court filing indicated Alabama plans to put him to death by nitrogen hypoxia, an execution method that is authorized in three states but has never been used.

Nitrogen hypoxia is caused by forcing the inmate to breathe only nitrogen, depriving them of oxygen and causing them to die. Nitrogen makes up 78% of the air inhaled by humans and is harmless when inhaled with oxygen. While proponents of the new method have theorized it would be painless, opponents have likened it to human experimentation.

    • @solstice
      0•1 year ago

      As opposed to the person who pushes the button to turn on the nitrogen? Or the person who pushes the lethal injection plunger into your veins? Or the person who throws the switch on the electric chair?

      We’re talking about state sanctioned murder so idk what you could possibly propose that insulates everyone from trauma.

      All this because I said I’d take a firing squad by the way if it came down to it. My choice. Just back off dude seriously, idk why you’re trying to start a ruckus over this.

        • @solstice
          0•1 year ago

          At this point I’m convinced you are a bot designed to piss people off to drive engagement up, there’s no way anyone can be so intentionally thick and contrarian.

            • @solstice
              -1•1 year ago

              All this because I flippantly said I’d take a firing squad! I find it easier to believe that you’re a bot rather than a human being who made the decision to pounce up my ass over an offhand comment. Take a xanax and chill the fuck out, seriously.