Consider This from NPR Alabama's Last Two Executions Failed. They're Trying Again Next Week
Jul 14, 2023
Elizabeth Bruenig, a staff writer at The Atlantic renowned for her in-depth reporting on Alabama's lethal injection issues, delves into the state's troubled execution protocols. She reveals the opaque nature of Alabama’s review process after recent failures, highlighting serious bureaucratic shortcomings and inadequate training for executioners. The podcast also explores the broader ethical challenges of lethal injections and considers alternative execution methods, prompting a critical discussion about the morality of capital punishment in the U.S.
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Failed Execution of Kenneth Smith
- Kenneth Smith called Elizabeth Bruenig after his attempted execution, deeply shaken by the experience.
- He was strapped down for hours, pierced repeatedly with needles, and suffered prolonged pain.
Multiple IV Line Failures
- During Alabama's execution attempts, medical personnel repeatedly failed to set IV lines, causing significant distress to the inmates.
- They tried various locations on the body, including wrists, feet, and even the neck.
Opaque Review Process
- Alabama's review of execution protocols lacked transparency, with no public report or hearings.
- The changes made, like extending execution time and adding gurney straps, seem inadequate.