Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Louisiana Executes Inmate Using Nitrogen Gas, Sparks Controversy

3/18/2025

50 4

Summary

Story summary

Louisiana is set to execute death row inmate Jessie Hoffman today, marking a grim milestone as the state’s first execution in 15 years and its first use of nitrogen gas. Hoffman's attorneys contend that this method clashes with his Buddhist beliefs and amounts to cruel and unusual punishment, raising profound ethical questions about the death penalty.

1 of 1

Story summary

Louisiana is set to execute death row inmate Jessie Hoffman today, marking a grim milestone as the state’s first execution in 15 years and its first use of nitrogen gas. Hoffman's attorneys contend that this method clashes with his Buddhist beliefs and amounts to cruel and unusual punishment, raising profound ethical questions about the death penalty.