Federal judge blocks use of Alabama’s nitrogen gas execution protocol

By: Ralph Chapoco

Outlets: Alabama Reflector

Published: June 10, 2026

Words: 1,204

Last Updated: 15 hours, 51 minutes ago

A federal judge Tuesday ruled Alabama’s nitrogen gas protocol constituted “cruel and unusual punishment” and said a death row inmate showed a firing squad was a feasible alternative.
The ruling came after an appeals court ruled that the “air hunger” created by the method was “over and above” distress allowed in executions.
Tuesday’s decision throws future uses of nitrogen gas — which Alabama has employed …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.