In a groundbreaking move, Alabama has executed death row inmate Kenneth Eugene Smith using nitrogen gas, a method that had never been used before in the United States. The execution, which represents the latest step in the search for an alternative to lethal injection, has sparked both curiosity and controversy.

Smith, convicted of the murder-for-hire of a preacher's wife in 1988, was initially scheduled to be put to death with lethal drugs in November 2022. However, due to difficulties inserting the necessary intravenous lines, Alabama authorities turned to the unconventional nitrogen gas method.

The use of nitrogen gas in executions has been approved by three states, including Alabama in 2018, and has withstood legal challenges. The gas, which is not poisonous in its natural form as it makes up a significant portion of the Earth's atmosphere, can cause nitrogen hypoxia when inhaled in concentrated amounts. This process chokes off oxygen to the brain, leading to a painless loss of consciousness.

Critics of the nitrogen gas method argue that it is an experimental procedure with potential risks. Dr. Jeff Keller, President of the American College of Correctional Physicians, warns that "many things can go wrong." However, proponents, including Alabama State Attorney General Steve Marshall, believe that it is the most humane method of execution ever devised.

The use of lethal injection as the primary execution method has faced numerous challenges, including difficulties in obtaining the necessary drugs. Some drug manufacturers refuse to sell them for executions, prompting states to search for alternative methods. Texas, for example, has resorted to sourcing deadly chemicals from undisclosed "compounding pharmacies."

Despite the controversy surrounding the use of nitrogen gas, it is seen as a viable option by some states seeking a more reliable and available execution method. The process has been deemed constitutional, as no method has been found to violate the ban on "cruel and unusual punishments" under the US Constitution.

The execution of Smith with nitrogen gas represents a significant development in the ongoing debate surrounding capital punishment in the United States. While the death penalty has become less popular over time, approximately half of US states still maintain laws allowing its use. The search for an effective and humane method of execution continues, as states navigate legal challenges and changing drug availability.

The use of nitrogen gas is viewed by some as a potential solution, but concerns about its experimental nature and the possibility of complications linger. As the debate evolves, the question of how society administers the ultimate punishment remains a contentious issue.