Pentagon Announces Plans for Public Livestreamed Execution of Nidal Hasan
The planned execution of the former Army major convicted of the Fort Hood massacre has drawn bipartisan criticism and condemnation from religious groups.
The Pentagon announced Thursday its intention to execute Nidal Hasan, the former Army major sentenced to death for the 2009 Fort Hood mass shooting, with the execution to be conducted publicly and livestreamed. This marks the first widely reported public execution in the U.S. in approximately 90 years, and the first military execution by firing squad in over 80 years.
Hasan, a former Army psychiatrist, killed 13 people and wounded more than 30 during a shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009. He was convicted by a military jury in 2013 and sentenced to death. The execution is scheduled to take place at the same Army post.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has indicated the execution will be broadcast, stating, "we'll make sure that people are able to watch it." However, the plan has faced significant opposition. Citing concerns over promoting a "culture of death," the head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops condemned the livestreaming aspect. Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, called the decision "beyond disgusting," comparing public executions to practices in "oppressive dictatorships like Iran and Afghanistan."
Vice President JD Vance also expressed uncertainty about whether the livestream would proceed. Hasan's legal team may also seek to delay the execution through federal court challenges, despite the exhaustion of military appeals.
The execution is slated for December 3.