The Pentagon has confirmed that the firing squad execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, the Fort Hood shooter convicted of killing 13 people in a 2009 attack, will be livestreamed to the public. The execution is scheduled to take place at Fort Hood on December 3.
Defence Secretary confirms public access
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that members of the public will be able to view the execution through a livestream. 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."
Hasan was convicted of killing 13 individuals and injuring a further 32 during the 2009 shooting at the military installation. Hegseth made his remarks to the broadcaster while aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, during a visit to the long-deployed crew who supported the Iran war, ahead of their return to their home port in San Diego.
When questioned whether Hasan had made any final requests or reached out to the Trump administration, Hegseth replied: "Don't care. We'll see him on December 3rd."
Official confirmation and survivor reaction
Pentagon officials confirmed on Thursday that the execution will be livestreamed, with additional details to follow. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced on Monday that President Donald Trump had authorised Hasan's execution. The White House promptly referred questions regarding the plans for the livestreamed execution to the Pentagon on Thursday.
Retired Staff Sgt Alonzo Lunsford, who was shot by Hasan 15 years ago, said he will be watching the execution. 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 suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head. He believes witnessing the execution could help bring closure to survivors and grieving 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."
Historical context
The military hasn't carried out an execution of a service member by firing squad since the Second World War. The last military execution took place on 13 April 1961, when Army Private John Bennett was put to death by hanging.
