Republicans express concerns over livestreaming execution of Fort Hood shooter

Washington — A growing number of Republicans are voicing concern over the Pentagon's plan to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, the ex-Army major convicted of the 2009 killing of 13 people at Fort Hood, scheduled for December 3. President Trump stated that the administration is still determining whether the execution will be livestreamed, following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's announcement that it would be. House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated that some members of the House Republican conference disapprove of the plan and that he intends to communicate these concerns to the White House. Johnson noted, "There are colleagues who have concerns. The concern would be that you would create a video that would be a recruiting tool for future terrorists. We've got to think through the policy implications of all that. I wouldn't be watching it if it was aired. But there's a lot of opinions on that. I think there's still some time to talk about that." Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska expressed her opposition, stating, "There is no need to livestream any execution, including this one," and urged the Pentagon to reconsider. She added, "It would give this individual, who deserves no further notoriety, the martyrdom he seeks." Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota remarked, "The death penalty is not entertainment," emphasizing that publicizing the execution could provide terrorists with an audience. Representative Ann Wagner of Missouri stated, "Justice will be served, but the United States of America does not and should not livestream executions." Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina described the idea as "beyond disgusting." Only one Republican, Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee, publicly supported the livestreaming, stating, "Excellent. Public execution is what this terrorist deserves." Vice President JD Vance said he would not watch if it is livestreamed, while Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the decision, stating, "No one has to watch it." Trump indicated that the plans could still change, saying, "There are two thoughts: don't show it and show it." He also provided conflicting statements about his involvement in the decision, initially claiming he authorized it but later stating he was not involved.