<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Pentagon's plan to livestream the execution of Maj. Nidal Hasan, who was responsible for a mass shooting at Fort Hood that killed 13 people and injured 32 others, has received scrutiny and criticism from various officials in Washington.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hasan, an army psychiatrist, opened fire at a medical center at Fort Hood, Texas, on November 5, 2009, marking one of the deadliest mass shootings at a military base in the United States.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This week, President Donald Trump approved Hasan’s execution, which would be the first military execution since 1961 and the first by firing squad since 1945.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle confirmed that Hasan would be executed by firing squad at Fort Hood at 1 p.m. on December 3, 2026, a time and location that reference the date and place of the mass shooting.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that the execution would be livestreamed. He emphasized the need for public awareness regarding the consequences of such actions, describing the shooting as a radical Islamist attack in uniform.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Pentagon typically livestreams events on its X account and website. Army Regulation 190-55 outlines procedures for military executions, including a provision that prohibits individuals under 18 from witnessing the execution.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There is uncertainty regarding whether the age restriction applies to livestreamed executions. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brandan Carr indicated that the execution would not be broadcast on television, thus the FCC would not be involved in its airing.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Dr. Kori Schake, a former Pentagon official, expressed concerns that the decision to execute Hasan by firing squad and to livestream it could negatively impact the military's image and morale. She compared the potential fallout to the damage caused by images from the Abu Ghraib prison.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lucas Webber, co-founder of Militant Wire, warned that footage of the execution could be exploited by jihadist propagandists, potentially serving as material for recruitment and retaliation narratives.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surviving-victims-and-family-members-react">Surviving victims and family members react:</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Survivors and family members of the victims will have the opportunity to attend the execution. Alonzo Lunsford, a former Army sergeant shot by Hasan, plans to be present and expressed a desire to confront Hasan directly.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Keara Torkelson, another victim, stated that while she intends to support fellow survivors, she does not wish to witness the execution.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dc-reacts">DC reacts</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Vice President JD Vance described the Fort Hood massacre as “the worst terrorist attack on American soil outside of 9/11,” but stated he would not watch the livestream if it occurs. There has been bipartisan pushback against the livestreaming plan.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) criticized the decision, arguing it gives Hasan undue attention and could aid anti-American terrorist recruiters. Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) called the proposal disturbing, emphasizing the seriousness of the legal process.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Republican Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) expressed support for the death penalty but criticized the idea of livestreaming the execution, stating it is not in line with American values.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) also condemned the decision to make the execution public, likening it to practices of oppressive regimes.</p>