President Donald Trump says he will personally decide whether the upcoming execution of convicted Fort Hood mass murderer Nidal Malik Hasan will be broadcast live to the American public.
The president’s comments Saturday came after the Pentagon announced plans to livestream Hasan’s execution by firing squad on December 3 at Fort Hood, Texas.
Hasan, a former Army major and psychiatrist, was convicted of murdering 13 people and wounding 32 others during a shooting rampage at the military installation on November 5, 2009.
Trump has already approved the use of a military firing squad but said the question of allowing Americans to watch the execution remains unresolved.
“He was vicious, he was violent,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
“There are two thoughts: don’t show it and show it,” the president continued. “Because, you know, by showing it, maybe other people won’t be doing what he did.”
Trump said he understands the military’s position but intends to make the final determination.
“I’ll make a decision, ultimately,” he said. “I know what the military would like to do, but we’ll make a decision.”
The Pentagon confirmed Thursday that Hasan’s execution was scheduled to be livestreamed, marking an unprecedented public broadcast of a military execution.
“It will be livestreamed. Details will follow,” a Pentagon official told Fox News Digital.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recommended that Hasan be executed by firing squad, a decision subsequently approved by Trump.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced the authorization earlier in the week. “Judgment day for Hasan has finally come,” Parnell declared.
Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle subsequently announced that the execution would take place December 3 at Fort Hood.
If carried out, it would be the first execution conducted by the U.S. military since 1961 and the first military execution by firing squad since 1945.
Hasan remains on military death row at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Hasan carried out one of the deadliest attacks on an American military installation when he opened fire inside a soldier processing center at Fort Hood.
The Army psychiatrist targeted unarmed soldiers and civilians preparing for deployment or receiving medical evaluations.
Witnesses testified that Hasan shouted “Allahu Akbar,” meaning “God is great,” before opening fire. Thirteen people were killed and 32 others wounded.
Hasan was eventually shot by responding base police officers, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.
During his 2013 military trial, Hasan acknowledged responsibility for the killings and offered little defense.
He described himself as a soldier who had switched sides and said his actions were intended to prevent American troops from deploying to Afghanistan and fighting Muslims.
A military jury convicted him of 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder. He was sentenced to death.
The case subsequently moved through years of military appellate proceedings before the Trump administration authorized the execution.
Vice President JD Vance has also expressed reservations about broadcasting the execution.
Speaking with reporters Friday, Vance questioned whether the Pentagon would ultimately proceed with the livestream.
“I don’t know that that’s actually going to happen,” he said. Vance added that he would not personally watch the broadcast if it takes place.
The vice president’s comments highlighted growing disagreement over the proposed public execution, even among officials who support carrying out Hasan’s death sentence.
Trump has similarly distinguished between his support for executing Hasan and his uncertainty about making the event available to viewers nationwide.
Supporters of the Pentagon’s original plan contend that publicizing the punishment could deter future attacks against American service members.
Among those following the controversy is retired Army Sgt. Alonzo Lunsford, who survived the Fort Hood massacre despite being shot seven times.
Lunsford has expressed support for carrying out Hasan’s death sentence but questioned whether the execution should be presented as public entertainment. He has said he intends to witness the execution in person.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
