An execution date has been set for former Army Major Nidal Hasan, who carried out a deadly attack at Fort Hood in 2009. Hasan’s sentence will be carried out on December 3, 2026, at the same location where he committed the crime, as per an email sent to the victims’ families.
This execution by firing squad will mark the first military execution since 1961. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recommended the use of an Army firing squad, a decision approved by President Trump. The spokesperson stated, “Judgement day for Hasan has finally come.” CBS Texas sought a response from Fort Hood, but was directed to Army headquarters.
On November 5, 2009, Hasan killed 13 individuals and injured 32 others. The victims, unarmed soldiers, were at a readiness center preparing for deployment. Hasan fired his weapon 146 times. The last military execution occurred 65 years ago when Pvt. John Bennett was hanged for rape and attempted murder. The previous execution by firing squad took place during World War II when Pvt. Eddie Slovik was executed for desertion.
56-year-old Hasan was serving as an Army psychiatrist during the attacks. Witnesses reported him shouting “Allahu Akbar” before opening fire. Police responding to the attack shot Hasan, resulting in paralysis from the chest down. Hasan has been on death row at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas since his conviction.
Why a Firing Squad?
According to Army regulation 190-55, the President must approve military executions. A regulatory revision in 2019 eliminated “lethal injection” as a method, leaving the choice to the secretary of the Army, based on recommendations from the provost marshal general. The prisoner is informed of the President’s decision by the commandant, accompanied by a chaplain and potentially a defense attorney. At this stage, the prisoner is designated as “condemned.”
The Victims
Families of the deceased were informed about the execution date prior to public announcements. They, along with survivors, have been asked if they wish to attend. This group, connected by the tragic event, has maintained strong ties over the past 17 years, with hopes for closure.
Below are the names of those who lost their lives:
- Lt. Col. Juanita Warman, 55
- Maj. Libardo Eduardo Caraveo, 52
- Capt. John P. Gaffaney, 56
- Capt. Russell Seager, 51
- Staff Sgt. Justin DeCrow, 32
- Sgt. Amy Krueger, 29
- Spc. Jason Dean Hunt, 22
- Spc. Frederick Z. Greene, 29
- Pfc. Aaron T Nemelka, 19
- Pfc. Michael S. Pearson, 22
- Pfc. Kham S. Xiong, 23
- Pvt. Francheska Velez, 21 (and her unborn child)
- Michael Grant Cahill, 62
This is an ongoing story. Further information will be provided as available.