The U.S. Supreme Court issued a late-night emergency order on Thursday blocking Alabama from carrying out the nitrogen gas execution of inmate Jeffery Lee, which had been scheduled as the state’s third use of the method. The stay temporarily halts Alabama’s nitrogen hypoxia protocol and sends the case back to lower federal courts for further evidentiary hearings. Lee’s lawyers argue the method violates the Eighth Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment, pointing to reports of inmates writhing and gasping during prior executions. Alabama officials maintain nitrogen hypoxia is humane and plan to continue defending its use amid ongoing legal challenges.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.