Retired Generals Urge Pentagon to Cancel Execution Livestream

Seventy-two retired U.S. generals, admirals, and other high-ranking military officers have urged the Pentagon to cancel its plan to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, an Army psychiatrist convicted of killing 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009. The officers expressed their opposition in a letter, arguing that the livestream would be a "barbaric abuse of authority" and could turn Hasan into a "martyr."

The Pentagon announced last week that the execution by firing squad, scheduled for December 3, would be publicly shown. This decision has drawn criticism from lawmakers of both parties and religious leaders.

While President Donald Trump initially stated he "absolutely" approved of the livestream, sources indicate that some administration officials are now leaning against the plan, and a final decision had not yet been made as of Tuesday, according to CBS News.

The letter's signatories, which included 45 generals and 12 admirals, stated they do not oppose capital punishment but believe a public execution of this nature would violate constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment. They argued it would transform a "solemn and grave punishment" into "a carnival for the enjoyment of voyeurs and spectators."

"This type of exploitative broadcasting – that debases human dignity – will taint the honor of the military that employs it, and a nation that allows it," the officers wrote. They also warned that enemies of the United States could use the broadcast "to stoke hatred, harm American soldiers and citizens in the future, and will ensure that Hasan becomes a martyr for attacking and killing his fellow soldiers."

The group of former military leaders came from various branches and eras of service, including some who retired during Trump's first term and others who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Notable signatories include retired Maj. Gen. Tony Taguba, who led the investigation into prisoner abuses at Abu Ghraib, and retired Air Force Col. Moe Davis, a former prosecutor at Guantanamo Bay.

Nidal Hasan confessed to carrying out the 2009 attack at Fort Hood, the deadliest non-combat incident on a U.S. military base, stating he believed he was acting to protect Muslims and the Taliban from the U.S. military. Hasan was wounded during the attack and now uses a wheelchair.