Execution of Nidal Hasan Scheduled for December; Survivor Shares Perspective

<p>On December 3, 2026, the U.S. government plans to execute Nidal Hasan at a firing range at Fort Hood. Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, was responsible for a mass shooting in 2009 that resulted in the deaths of 13 people and injuries to 32 others. After years of legal appeals, the Army is preparing for his execution by firing squad, which will be available for live streaming.</p><p>Alonzo Lunsford, a former Army staff sergeant who survived being shot seven times by Hasan, expressed his desire to witness the execution. He stated that he believes one of Hasan's surviving victims or the relatives of those killed should be allowed to pull the trigger. Despite his support for the execution, Lunsford emphasized that he has forgiven Hasan, citing his faith as a reason for this forgiveness.</p><p>Lunsford expressed concern about the execution being turned into a spectacle, stating, "It's not a spectacle. There's nothing glorified in the smell of human flesh, blood and gunpowder." He urged against treating the execution as entertainment, saying, "We as a people, we're better than that. This ain't no country where we do public beheadings and stonings and think it's fine."</p><p>During the 2009 attack, Lunsford witnessed Hasan kill a colleague before being shot himself. He has since focused on mentoring young people and helping others with mental health struggles. Lunsford believes children should not watch the livestream, but he thinks adults can make their own decisions about viewing it.</p><p>War Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the decision to make the execution public, stating that it is important for Americans to understand the consequences of Hasan's actions. However, Vice President JD Vance expressed skepticism about whether the Pentagon would follow through with the livestreaming, indicating he had no intention of watching it himself.</p><p>The decision to livestream the execution has drawn criticism from some Republicans who support the death penalty but oppose the public nature of the execution. Rep. Austin Scott stated, "I absolutely support the sentence of death, but live-streaming executions is what jihadists do. America is better than that." Similarly, Sen. Thom Tillis called the decision "beyond disgusting," comparing it to practices in oppressive regimes.</p><p>The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has also opposed both the execution and its public nature, with Archbishop Paul S. Coakley stating that it undermines the moral fabric of the nation. Concerns have also been raised about national security, as Hasan has previously expressed a desire to become a martyr. Matthew Levitt, a former Treasury counterterrorism official, warned that making footage of the execution available could be exploited by terrorist groups.</p><p>Lunsford wants to confront Hasan before his execution, stating, "I want to look at him in his eyes. I want him to see me — man to man." He hopes that Hasan will use his final moments to express remorse for his actions.</p>