Execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan to be livestreamed, Pentagon announces

The execution of former US Army Major Nidal Hasan by firing squad will be livestreamed, according to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. An official from the Defense Department confirmed to the BBC that the execution is scheduled for December 3 at Fort Hood, Texas, marking the first military execution in over 60 years. Hegseth stated, "We'll make sure that people are able to watch it, that it's public," emphasizing the need for public awareness of the consequences of such actions. Hasan was convicted for fatally shooting 13 unarmed US soldiers at Fort Hood in 2009. In an interview with Real America's Voice, Hegseth remarked, "As it should be" regarding the firing squad execution. He dismissed inquiries about Hasan's final requests or communication with President Donald Trump, stating, "Don't care. We'll see him on December 3rd." The Pentagon indicated that the execution was approved by Trump following Hegseth's recommendation. The White House has been contacted for clarification on Trump's stance regarding the livestream. Hasan, who admitted to being the shooter during the deadliest non-combat attack on a US military base, expressed during his court martial in 2013 that he believed he was protecting Muslims and the Taliban. Legal expert John Mills commented on the unprecedented nature of a public execution, describing it as a potential "grotesque spectacle" and noting that the appellate process for Hasan is not complete, which may delay the execution. Mills expressed skepticism about the execution occurring as planned. Law professor Deborah Denno highlighted the implications of a livestreamed execution, suggesting it could provide transparency about the death penalty in the US. The last military execution occurred in 1961, and the last by firing squad was in 1945. The US government had not executed anyone for 17 years until the final year of Trump's first term, when a series of federal executions were carried out. Trump has historically supported the death penalty but has not publicly advocated for public executions. The execution of Hasan will be a significant event in the context of military law and public perception of capital punishment.