On Thursday, Alabama executed a man using nitrogen gas in only the second instance in the United States of this method being used. Alan Eugene Miller, a former delivery driver convicted in a workplace shooting spree, was put to death via nitrogen hypoxia. The process involves breathing only nitrogen through a mask to deprive the person of oxygen. Miller expressed his innocence before undergoing the execution. Despite initial struggling and movement after the gas started flowing, he was ultimately declared dead.
This execution follows a contentious period of multiple executions in various states. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey hailed the execution as justice being served for the victims. The state has championed nitrogen as a swift, painless, and humane method of execution. Despite initial challenges from Miller, he ultimately agreed to the method.
Critics, including human rights groups, have raised concerns over the use of nitrogen gas for executions. They argue that the gas can cause physical side effects and prolong death if not administered properly. Studies suggest that there is decreasing support for capital punishment in the United States, leading some to view any form of execution, whether lethal injection or nitrogen suffocation, as inhumane. Alabama’s swift execution of Miller has highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding the use of various methods for carrying out the death penalty.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
