"Alabama's Historic Nitrogen Gas Execution: What Happened and What's Next for the US?"

Alabama carried out its first nitrogen gas execution, with Attorney General Steve Marshall calling it a "proven" method despite criticism. Kenneth Smith, the inmate executed, reportedly experienced convulsions and heavy breathing for about 22 minutes before passing away, contrary to the quick and painless death state officials had described. The method, chosen by Smith himself, is expected to be used in more subsequent executions in the state, with 43 other inmates on death row opting for nitrogen hypoxia.