Details of the First Nitrogen-Assisted Execution of an American in U.S. History

In U.S. history, the first person executed using nitrogen was reported to have suffered seizures within minutes. According to the Associated Press, this information was shared by RIA Novosti.

“Condemned murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith convulsed during the execution, which lasted at least 22 minutes,” the agency reported. Earlier, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall had stated that the 58-year-old Smith, sentenced in 1988 for a contracted murder, was executed using this new method.

Such a severe punishment is permitted in three states in the U.S.; however, it has not been practically applied until now. During the execution, the condemned is allowed to breathe nitrogen through a mask, which leads to hypoxia and ultimately death.

According to the Alabama Attorney General, the application of this method of execution for the first time in U.S. history demonstrated the “effectiveness and humanity” of this approach, while predictions from activists and media were deemed “speculative.”

Local media reports indicated that Smith's last words expressed gratitude for support and included the phrase, “this night in Alabama has caused humanity to take a step backwards.” Moreover, reports indicate that Smith chose this method after several unsuccessful attempts to carry out lethal injections in previous executions.

In November 2022, there was an attempt to execute him via lethal injection; however, the executors were unable to insert a catheter within the allotted time for the execution.