Attorney General Scott Pruitt wants the U.S. Supreme Court to stay three executions until the death row inmates’ lawsuit is resolved.
Richard Glossip, John Grant and Benjamin Cole’s deaths have been scheduled, but Pruitt’s press secretary Will Gattenby said this is a necessary step.
"It is important that the attorney general act in order to best serve the interests of the victims of these horrific crimes and the state's obligation to ensure justice in each and every case," Gattenby said.
The lawsuit centers on Oklahoma’s use of the sedative midazolam.
"Two federal courts have previously held the current protocol is constitutional, and this office believes the United States Supreme Court will find the same," Gattenby said.
Charles Warner was executed January 15th after the Supreme Court denied his request for a stay until the state’s lethal injection protocol was reviewed.
Oral arguments are scheduled for April 29. The state is scheduled to execute Richard Glossip on Thursday.