There's a lot we don't know from current reports..and an awful lot of hysterics around this 'new method' rather than facts.
Was it 22 minutes from the administration of the gas or fitting the mask or entering the room. Over what time period did they ramp-up the N2 level etc.
The horror must be in being strapped down with a tight fitting mask being applied and the unknown manner of your death in this instance.
My understanding is that a couple lungfulls of N2 will see you unknowingly unconcious and an undramatic death follows swiftly. I've often thought that as a way to go, N2 inhalation is pretty good.
Some facts here would be useful....
In no way do I condone the death penalty however 'humanely' applied.
Sadly, at this time, different sources are quoting different times for first administering the Nitrogen, so on facts, you have a point but im sure a detailed report will come forth.
However, Witnesses to the execution report much writhing, convulsing, thrashing and gasps. In addition to being examined on multiple occasions before allowing the execution to continue and Smith appeared to remain conscious for several of those minutes.
Make of that what you will. To me that seems far from undramatic.
To be fair, the facts on Nitrogen inhalation/hypoxia or at least the method of administering it with gas masks or whatever were not made clear to the state before allowing this execution to go ahead. The reality seems to be becoming even more clear, they didn't really know what they were going to expect and therefore all of this seems far from "humane"... But the job is done, so they can be sure to pat themselves on the back.
