Live updates: Louisiana begins nitrogen gas execution of death row inmate Jessie Hoffman - NOLA.com

By Taylor Morgan

In an unprecedented move, the state of Louisiana is set to carry out the execution of death row inmate Jessie Hoffman through nitrogen gas – a method never before used in the United States. The execution is scheduled to take place between 6 and 9 p.m. tonight, marking a significant shift in the state's approach to capital punishment. The choice of nitrogen gas as an execution method has sparked widespread controversy, with proponents arguing it is a more humane option, while detractors question its ethical and legal implications.

This article will provide live updates throughout the day, detailing the developments and reactions that unfold as Louisiana moves forward with this historic execution procedure. As the hours tick closer to the execution time, the tension and scrutiny surrounding this event intensify. Stay with us as we delve into the details of this momentous, and potentially game-changing, event in American capital punishment history.

Jessie Hoffman, convicted in 1996 for the abduction and murder of an LSU student, is set to be executed this evening between 6 and 9 p.m. This execution marks a critical moment in Louisiana's history as it will be the first with the use of nitrogen gas. The state adopted this method in 2018 but has not used it until now. The decision to shift from lethal injection to nitrogen gas came in response to the shortage and increasing controversy surrounding lethal injection drugs.

Hoffman will be placed in a sealed chamber where nitrogen gas will replace the oxygen. This procedure will eventually lead to hypoxia – the deprivation of adequate oxygen supply. Advocates argue that death by nitrogen gas is more humane, as the person being executed loses consciousness without experiencing the distress associated with oxygen deprivation. Detractors, however, argue that there is insufficient evidence to support this claim and that this method could potentially cause a painful and prolonged death.

The execution process is expected to take approximately 20 minutes, but the exact duration is uncertain due to the novelty of this method. Hoffman's legal team made several unsuccessful attempts to delay the execution, arguing that the use of nitrogen gas constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. The Supreme Court denied the appeals, clearing the way for tonight's execution.

In the hours leading up to the execution, prison officials have reported that Hoffman has been calm and cooperative. His last meal consisted of a cheeseburger, fries, and a chocolate shake, and he has been visited by his family and spiritual advisor. NOLA.com will continue to provide live updates throughout the evening as events unfold.

The execution method chosen for Hoffman's death penalty is nitrogen hypoxia. Nitrogen hypoxia is a relatively new method in the history of capital punishment. It was approved by Louisiana in 2018 as an alternative method when lethal injection drugs are unavailable. Nitrogen, an inert gas that makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere, is used to displace oxygen in the room, leading to a quick and painless death, proponents argue.

However, the use of nitrogen hypoxia has spurred controversy and raised ethical questions. Critics argue that the method is untested and could lead to a cruel and unusual punishment, violating the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. They also express concerns about the potential for botched executions, given the lack of precedent and experience with this method.

Despite these criticisms, the Louisiana Department of Corrections maintains that nitrogen hypoxia is a humane method of execution. They argue that the condemned person would simply lose consciousness without any physical distress, providing a more dignified death than other methods.

The use of nitrogen hypoxia in Hoffman's execution tonight will mark a significant moment in the history of capital punishment in the United States, potentially setting a precedent for future cases.

In the wake of this unprecedented event, there has been a surge of debate surrounding the ethics of using Nitrogen hypoxia as a method of execution. According to Dr. Joel B. Zivot, an anesthesiologist at Emory University School of Medicine, "There is a fundamental misunderstanding about the use of nitrogen. There is no clear evidence in scientific literature that nitrogen-induced hypoxia in a non-medical setting, administered by people without medical training, would be humane or painless."

Opponents argue that the lack of medical supervision and the potential for suffering puts this method of execution into question. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Louisiana has been vocal in opposing the execution of Jessie Hoffman, arguing that the use of nitrogen gas is an experimental and potentially inhumane method. "It's a deeply troubling and potentially unconstitutional move," said Alanah Odoms Hebert, executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana. "Lethal injection has been the standard method of execution in the U.S. for decades. Switching to a method that has never been used before in the history of modern capital punishment raises serious legal and ethical questions."

On the other hand, proponents of the method argue that nitrogen hypoxia is a more humane alternative to lethal injection, which has been associated with botched executions and prolonged suffering in the past. Despite the ongoing debate, the execution of Jessie Hoffman is set to proceed as scheduled, marking a significant shift in the application of capital punishment in the United States.

As the day draws to a close, Louisiana has commenced the execution process for death row inmate Jessie Hoffman, marking a watershed moment in the application of capital punishment in the state. This marks the first time that nitrogen gas has been used as a method of execution, a decision that has drawn both support and criticism from different quarters.

This case will undoubtedly set a precedent for future capital punishment cases, prompting further debate and discussion on the ethics and legality of the death penalty. As we continue to monitor the situation, we remain committed to providing objective, accurate reporting on this pivotal event in Louisiana's justice system.

As the sun sets on this somber day, we are reminded of the gravity of capital punishment and its profound impact on all parties involved. The execution of Jessie Hoffman serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate power of the state to determine life and death, a power that is not without its controversy and debate.

Source: https://www.nola.com/news/courts/live-updates-jessie-hoffman-execution/article_8746cfe0-035f-11f0-a5f5-a3f64c1056da.html