"Alabama's Groundbreaking Nitrogen Gas Execution Sparks Controversy"
Convicted murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith became the first man in the US to be executed with nitrogen gas, a method condemned by human rights activists, the United Nations, and the White House. Witnesses, including a priest, described the 22-minute execution as a "horror show," with Smith writhing and thrashing for several minutes, despite assurances from prison authorities that it would be quick and painless. The White House and international human rights groups expressed deep concern over the manner of the execution, which marked a departure from the usual method of lethal injection in the US.