The Pentagon says it will livestream the planned firing-squad execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, the former US Army psychiatrist convicted of the 2009 Fort Hood shooting.
According to Reuters, a Pentagon official confirmed the plan on Thursday, 8 October, saying further details would follow. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also confirmed the livestream plans on X.
Execution scheduled for December
In an official statement, the US Army said Hasan’s execution is scheduled for 1pm Central Standard Time on 3 December 2026 at Fort Hood, Texas.
The Army said President Donald Trump approved the death sentence on 2 October, following the completion of the military appellate process. Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle subsequently directed that the execution be carried out by firing squad.
Hasan killed 13 people at the military base in 2009. A military jury sentenced him to death in 2013.
AFP reported that, if carried out, this would be the first US military execution since 1961 and its first execution by firing squad since the Second World War.
Legal and ethical questions
The announcement has prompted differing assessments from legal experts.
The Associated Press reported that Fordham University law professor Deborah Denno said broadcasting an execution could improve public understanding of capital punishment.
However, UC Berkeley law professor Elisabeth Semel raised concerns about the prisoner’s dignity, the government’s motivation, and who would be permitted to watch.
Military law expert Eugene Fidell also told AP that Hasan could seek review in a civilian court, potentially delaying the execution. The scheduled date therefore does not rule out further legal proceedings.
Trivane View
The families of those killed deserve justice and clear information about the process. Broadcasting an execution also requires a clear public explanation.
The Pentagon should explain the legal basis, purpose, and safeguards for the livestream, including how victims’ families will be consulted. Public accountability should guide the decision, with careful consideration of the consequences of making an execution available online.
