"Alabama's Controversial Execution Method Raises Safety Concerns"

Alabama plans to execute a death row inmate using nitrogen gas, a method that has not been tested and could pose risks to those present, including the inmate's spiritual advisor. The state had previously attempted to execute the inmate by lethal injection, but failed due to difficulties in inserting the needles. The spiritual advisor expressed concerns about trusting the corrections officials with the use of nitrogen gas, as it could potentially harm everyone in the room. The Alabama Department of Corrections acknowledged the small area of risk and required the advisor to stay at least 3 feet away from the inmate during the execution. The inmate, Kenneth Smith, was convicted in a 1988 murder-for-hire killing and is scheduled for execution in January.