Alabama administers death penalty to inmate using nitrogen gas following failed lethal injection attempt

Alabama executed Alan Eugene Miller, a former delivery driver convicted for a workplace shooting spree in 2000, using nitrogen gas. This was only the second instance of nitrogen gas being used in the United States for an execution. Miller was declared dead at 6:38 p.m. after experiencing shaking, trembling, and gasping during the execution process. This method has drawn criticism from human rights groups as it involves depriving the person of oxygen and breathing only nitrogen. Following the execution, State Attorney General Steve Marshall defended the use of nitrogen gas as “swift, painless, and humane” and accused activists, lawyers, and the media of spreading misinformation. Miller initially challenged the use of nitrogen but later agreed to proceed with it. Despite concerns about the procedure causing pain and prolonging death, Miller did not contest his guilt for the shooting rampage that resulted in the deaths of three people. Critics argue that nitrogen gas executions can lead to physical side effects and slow asphyxiation if not administered correctly. The use of nitrogen during executions has raised questions about the ethics of capital punishment and the potential for human rights violations. Alabama has faced challenges in finding suitable methods for executions due to issues with lethal injections and a shortage of necessary drugs.

Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com