Trump Orders Pentagon Not To Livestream Fort Hood Shooter Nidal Malik Hasan’s Execution

Livestream Reversed

President Donald Trump said Thursday that the Pentagon will no longer livestream the firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan.

Livestream cancelled by Trump2 of 2 outlets reported it▾

Trump wrote on social media that “He will die, as scheduled, by firing squad, but this event will not be streamed,” and the Pentagon said the execution is scheduled for Dec. 3.

The ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll found that eight in 10 Americans say Hasan’s execution should not be livestreamed, while a slim majority supports the execution by firing squad.

Vice President JD Vance said he would not watch the execution, and he added, “So, whatever the controversy is about the method of the execution, I hope that people don’t forget that this is a guy who brutally murdered a lot of innocent people.”

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Public Backlash and Debate

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had earlier announced that Hasan’s execution would be public, and the Pentagon later confirmed it would be broadcast live, prompting bipartisan criticism. The ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll reported that majorities across partisan groups oppose livestreaming, including 91% of Democrats, 83% of independents, and 64% of Republicans.

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The BBC reported that a group of 72 retired US generals, admirals, and other high-ranking military officers pressed the government to cancel the livestream, arguing it would turn Hasan into a “martyr.” The retired officers wrote, “We ask the President, our Congressional representatives, and our fellow citizens to act to prevent this barbaric abuse of authority,” and they argued the livestream would violate protections against cruel and unusual punishment.

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Execution Stakes in Focus

The Pentagon indicated Hasan’s execution will take place on December 3, and Trump said the execution can be viewed in person by immediate families of the victims, “if they so choose.” The ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll said a slim 53% majority supports Hasan’s execution by firing squad while 42% oppose it, even as 8 in 10 Americans oppose livestreaming.

The BBC reported that Hasan shot dead 13 unarmed US soldiers at the Fort Hood military base, and the BBC said he now uses a wheelchair after being shot during the attack. The BBC also quoted the retired officers’ warning that “It will be used by our nation's enemies to stoke hatred, harm American soldiers and citizens in the future,” as the administration’s decision on livestreaming shifted.

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