Trump calls off livestream of Fort Hood attacker execution
US President Donald Trump has cancelled plans to livestream the execution by firing squad of former US army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan, who killed 13 soldiers in 2009.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Donald Trump has officially called off plans to livestream Nidal Hasan execution.
- Hasan is scheduled to be executed by firing squad on December 3, 2026.
- Victims' families will still be permitted to view the execution in person.
- The initial livestream plan drew widespread international criticism from human rights groups.
US President Donald Trump has decided to scrap plans to broadcast the upcoming execution of former US army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan via live stream. Hasan is the convicted perpetrator behind the deadly 2009 mass shooting at the Fort Hood military base in Texas.
Previously, Trump had voiced support for broadcasting the capital punishment, arguing it would serve as a powerful deterrent for the global community to witness how the United States handles terrorists. Meanwhile, Vice-President JD Vance had expressed skepticism regarding whether the broadcast would actually take place and stated he would refuse to watch it.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
In his latest statement, Trump reaffirmed that Hasan will still face execution on the scheduled date of December 3, 2026, utilizing a firing squad, but confirmed that the event will not be broadcasted online. The president added that the families of the victims retain the right to witness the execution in person at the facility if they choose to do so, emphasizing that they deserve to see justice served.
Following the Pentagon announcement last week detailing the December 3 execution and its public livestream, a wave of backlash immediately followed from human rights organizations and international bodies. The United Nations notably condemned the proposed broadcast plans as abhorrent.
"I think streaming the execution for all to see might have been a strong deterrent for the World to witness how America deals with Terrorists and SCUM like Hasan."
Donald Trump
The shooting on November 5, 2009, stands as the deadliest non-combat attack ever recorded on an American military base. Hasan opened fire inside a crowded medical facility where deploying troops were waiting for routine check-ups and vaccinations, resulting in the deaths of 13 service members and injuries to 32 others. During his 2013 court-martial, Hasan admitted to being the gunman and stated he believed his actions protected Muslims and the Taliban in Afghanistan from the US military.
Carrying out a military execution by firing squad is an extremely rare occurrence in modern US history, with the last such event taking place over six decades ago. Under United States military law, any military capital punishment requires direct presidential approval alongside comprehensive appellate reviews by higher courts to guarantee legal compliance prior to execution.
Source: BBC World
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