Alabama plans third execution using nitrogen gas as critics call for more review

Alabama plans to execute a man using nitrogen gas, marking the third such execution in the U.S. Critics argue the method requires more examination due to concerns about potential suffering during the process. The execution of Alan Grayson is scheduled for Thursday. His lawyers are seeking to block it, claiming the method could cause unconstitutional pain. They argue that the protocol may lead to conscious suffocation before the inmate loses consciousness. The state contends that nitrogen hypoxia is painless and leads to rapid unconsciousness. However, past executions have raised questions about the timing of unconsciousness, with reports of prolonged movements and labored breathing during the process.