Ohio Plans to Use Experimental Nitrogen Gas in Execution Chamber Following Alabama's First Use

Ohio lawmakers are taking the next steps to introduce experimental nitrogen gas into their execution chamber, just days after Alabama made history by using the same method for the first time in the United States. However, concerns have been raised by the United Nations, which has warned that nitrogen gas asphyxiation constitutes a form of torture.

The decision to explore nitrogen gas as an alternative method comes after Ohio's Republican Governor Mike DeWine ruled out lethal injection for executions due to a federal judge's ruling that it causes severe pain and needless suffering. Republican state Attorney General Dave Yost believes that nitrogen gas, being widely available and easy to manufacture, can potentially break the impasse.

Alabama's recent execution of Kenneth Smith using nitrogen gas asphyxiation has sparked both controversy and support. Ivana Hrynkiw, a journalist with AL.com, witnessed the execution and shared a chilling account of the event. Smith made a lengthy final statement, expressing his belief that Alabama's actions were regressive for humanity. He also made a sign language gesture expressing love towards his family and media witnesses. Hrynkiw noticed that Smith appeared conscious for several minutes into the execution, followed by shaking and writhing for about two minutes. This was then followed by deep breaths before his breathing gradually slowed and eventually stopped. The time of death was pronounced by the Governor's Office at 8:25 pm, with the curtains closing at 8:15 pm.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, enthusiastic about nitrogen hypoxia as a method, encouraged other states to follow suit. Marshall stated that Alabama had successfully implemented the method and was ready to assist other states in adopting it.

Despite claims from Alabama officials that the use of nitrogen gas is humane and effective, Reverend Jeff Hood, Kenneth Smith's spiritual adviser, vehemently disagrees. Reverend Hood, who witnessed the execution, described it as "the most horrible thing" he had ever seen. He recounted how Smith appeared to suffer immensely, exhibiting signs of resistance and discomfort during the procedure. Reverend Hood expressed his disbelief that such an inhumane method of execution could occur in a nation that prides itself on being a leader in human rights.

This is not the first time Reverend Hood has been present at an execution. He has witnessed five executions within the past 13 months, driven by a desire to provide witness to the horror of these procedures and offer spiritual comfort to the condemned individuals. Reverend Hood firmly believes that there is no humane way to kill someone, only different ways of perpetuating violence and vengeance.

It is worth noting that this is not the first attempt to execute Kenneth Smith. In a previous failed attempt in November 2022, the executioners struggled to find a vein and resorted to subjecting Smith to a painful and invasive needle insertion. The failed attempt, along with European companies refusing to provide lethal injection drugs due to concerns about associations with the Holocaust, has pushed states towards exploring alternative methods such as gassing prisoners to death.

The use of experimental nitrogen gas in executions raises serious ethical questions and has garnered criticism from the United Nations. As states like Ohio consider adopting this method, the debate over the humaneness of execution procedures continues to intensify, calling into question the moral compass of a nation that prides itself on upholding human rights.