Trump Halts Livestream Plan for Fort Hood Shooter's Execution
President cited public sentiment in reversing course on broadcasting the firing squad execution of Nidal Hasan.
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has canceled plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, the former Army psychiatrist convicted in the 2009 Fort Hood massacre. Hasan is scheduled to be executed by firing squad.
Trump had previously stated his approval for broadcasting the execution, suggesting it could serve as a deterrent. However, he reversed course following criticism and feedback from the public.
"Many very good and well meaning people would rather not watch him die," Trump said in a statement. "I think streaming the execution for all to see might have been a strong deterrent for the World to witness how America deals with Terrorists and SCUM like Hasan."
He added, "He will die, as scheduled, by firing squad, but this event will not be streamed."
Hasan fatally shot 13 unarmed U.S. soldiers and injured 32 others at the Texas military base in 2009. His scheduled execution would mark the first military execution in more than 60 years.