"Alabama Executes Inmate Using Nitrogen Gas for the First Time"

Alabama has executed convicted murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith using nitrogen gas, marking the first time this method of capital punishment has been used globally. Smith thrashed violently on the gurney during the 25-minute execution, and his final words expressed his belief that the state had taken humanity "a step backwards." The use of nitrogen gas as an alternative method of execution has been approved in Alabama and two other US states due to difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs. The execution has sparked controversy and condemnation from the UN and medical professionals.