Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed that the public will be able to watch the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan, who killed 13 people, via a livestream. The Pentagon announced that the firing squad execution will take place at Fort Hood on December 3, with Hegseth stating it will be "public".
Hegseth confirms public viewing
Speaking to conservative TV channel Real America's Voice News on Wednesday, Hegseth said: "We'll make sure that people are able to watch it, that it's public." He gave his comments aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier while visiting the long-deployed crew who supported the Iran war, prior to their return to their home port in San Diego.
When asked if Hasan had made any final requests or contacted the Trump administration, Hegseth simply responded: "Don't care. We'll see him on December 3rd."
Background of the 2009 attack
Hasan was found guilty of murdering 13 people and wounding an additional 32 in a 2009 shooting at the military base. Pentagon officials confirmed on Thursday that the execution will be live streamed, with further details to be released. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated on Monday that President Donald Trump had authorised Hasan's execution.
The White House immediately directed questions about the plans for the livestreamed execution to the Pentagon on Thursday.
Survivor's perspective
Retired Staff Sgt Alonzo Lunsford told America's Newsroom he will be observing the execution of the officer who fired at him 15 years ago. Lunsford stated: "You live by the sword, you die by the sword. And the way that he went about doing his deed was a coward's way because we didn't have any way to defend ourselves that day."
Lunsford sustained multiple gunshot injuries, including one to the head. He believes witnessing the execution might help unite survivors and bereaved families. He explained: "It's for two reasons. One is to give the families of the deceased a chance to close a chapter and also the survivors to close a chapter. And it sends a clear message that we will not stand for this activity in any of our armed services or in the United States."
Rarity of military executions
The military hasn't executed a service member by firing squad since World War II. The final military execution occurred on April 13, 1961, when Army Private John Bennett was executed by hanging.
