By Jonathan Allen(Reuters) - Alabama plans to carry out the first known judicial execution of a prisoner using asphyxiation with nitrogen gas on Thursday evening, a closely watched new method the state hopes to advance as a viable, simpler alternative to lethal injections. Kenneth Smith, convicted of a 1988 murder-for-hire, is a rare prisoner who has already survived one execution attempt. In November 2022, Alabama officials aborted his execution by lethal injection after struggling for hours to insert an intravenous line's needle in his body. A canister of pure nitrogen will be attached to the mask, intended to deprive him of inhaling any oxygen. Jeff Hood, spiritual adviser to Smith, who will be at Smith's side, had to sign a form acknowledging the risk that the execution method poses to others.

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Persons: Jonathan Allen, Kenneth Smith, Smith, gurney, Jeff Hood, Maya Foa, Foa, Elizabeth Sennett, Charles Sennett, Mama, Diane Craft Organizations: Reuters, United Nations, 11th Circuit U.S, Appeals, U.S, Supreme, Besides Alabama, Holman Correctional Facility Locations: Alabama, U.S, Besides, Oklahoma, Mississippi, New York