The White House has conveyed deep concern over the execution of Kenneth Smith in Alabama, marking the first use of nitrogen gas as a method of capital punishment in the United States. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the reports of Smith's execution were troubling to the administration, emphasizing President Biden's longstanding concerns about the implementation of the death penalty and its alignment with American values.

 

Kenneth Smith was executed on Thursday, breathing nitrogen gas through a face mask, which led to oxygen deprivation. The method's unprecedented use prompted criticism, with opponents arguing that it violated constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment. Smith had been convicted of a murder-for-hire killing dating back to 1988.

 

The Supreme Court rejected a last-minute attempt to halt Smith's execution, although Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a dissenting opinion, characterizing Alabama's use of nitrogen gas as an experimental approach, treating Smith as a "guinea pig" for a new execution method.

 

Attorney General Merrick Garland imposed a moratorium on the federal death penalty in 2021, a decision supported by President Biden. Jean-Pierre reiterated the president's deep concerns about the death penalty's implementation. Despite the federal moratorium, federal prosecutors recently announced their intention to seek the death penalty for the gunman responsible for the 2022 killing of 10 Black people at a Buffalo, N.Y., grocery store.

 

27.01.24

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 thought for the victims of the murderer should be a priority.

2 hours ago, Rampant Rabbit said:

 thought for the victims of the murderer should be a priority.

Adherence to the Constitution should be the priority.

Alabama, that bastion of equal justice.

 

Amazed they didn't just bring back the Guillotine.

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Adherence to the Constitution should be the priority.

sounds more like  inhuman rights for the victim

41 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

Alabama, that bastion of equal justice.

 

Amazed they didn't just bring back the Guillotine.

 

 

 

 

 

it would be a lot cheaper

4 hours ago, Rampant Rabbit said:

thought for the victims of the murderer should be a priority.

 

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

opponents arguing that it violated constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment.

 

OK?