Seventy-two retired generals and senior military leaders are urging the Trump administration to cancel plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, the Fort Hood shooter. Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, was convicted of killing 13 people in a 2009 shooting rampage at the military base. President Donald Trump approved Hasan’s execution by firing squad earlier in October, with the Army scheduling it for December 3.
Concerns Over Livestreaming Execution
The Pentagon announced last week that the execution would be livestreamed, following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s statement that it would be public. In an open letter linked by Just Security, the retired officers express their concern, stating, “We ask the President, our Congressional representatives, and our fellow citizens to act to prevent this barbaric abuse of authority: Livestreaming an execution debases the values, principles, and commitment to basic human dignity of our military and our nation.” Although they acknowledge the court-martial’s decision that a death sentence was appropriate, they emphasize the government’s responsibility to ensure the execution aligns with constitutional and national values.
The officers argue that livestreaming the execution would contravene the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The Army’s regulation on executions, they note, “is crafted to meet this grave responsibility.” The letter continues, saying that a livestream would “clearly violate the basic human dignity of the condemned prisoner,” making it a spectacle rather than a solemn event and harming the military’s and the nation’s honor.
They also warn that such a broadcast could be exploited by adversaries, fueling hatred and posing risks to American troops and citizens, particularly if Hasan becomes a martyr.
Trump Administration’s Decision
President Trump, a vocal supporter of capital punishment, confirmed his approval of the decision to livestream Hasan’s execution, stating, “Did I approve? Absolutely.” However, he and his advisers are debating whether to proceed with the broadcast. A CNN report, citing informed sources, mentions Trump’s reconsideration after learning of Hasan’s paralysis and wheelchair use due to a law enforcement gunshot.
An adviser has pointed out potential propagandistic uses of a livestream, making the decision a matter of internal discussion. Trump told reporters, “There are two thoughts: Don’t show it and show it. Because, you know, by showing it, maybe other people won’t be doing what he did. So, I’ll make a decision ultimately.”
Bipartisan political condemnation follows, joined by religious leaders, including Archbishop Paul Coakley, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who called it “a barbaric promotion of a culture of death and must be reconsidered.”
Scheduled Execution at Fort Hood
The Army has announced Hasan’s execution date as December 3 at Fort Hood, Texas, at 1 p.m. Hasan committed the attack on November 5, 2009, using gunfire in a medical building. Claiming an attempt to prevent soldier deployment to Afghanistan, he opened fire while shouting, “Allahu akbar.”
A military jury convicted Hasan of all charges in 2013, sentencing him to death. His appeals process concluded following the U.S. Supreme Court’s denial of review in March 2025. Trump authorized the firing squad execution on October 2 following Tennessee’s failed execution attempt of Christa Pike.
Hegseth noted the rarity of firing squad executions, last used in World War II. The final military execution occurred on April 13, 1961, with Army Private John Bennett’s hanging.
Rules for Witnessing Military Executions
Army Regulation 190-55 dictates permissible execution witnesses, omitting public attendance. Retired Colonel John Galligan, representing Hasan in civil matters, stresses the regulatory limits, specifying authorized military personnel, the execution team, the prisoner’s attorney, a chaplain, family representatives, and two chosen media representatives.
The Army has not publicly disclosed details of the firing squad at Fort Hood. While the regulation sets execution procedures, it lacks specific firing squad instructions, as reported by the Associated Press.