Some soldiers have expressed concerns about potentially being asked or forced to participate in the execution of Nidal Mikal Hasan, who is scheduled to be executed by firing squad on December 3 at Fort Hood, Texas. This information comes from the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, which advises U.S. military members on religious freedom issues. Hasan was convicted of killing 13 people during a mass shooting at Fort Hood in 2009. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the execution would be livestreamed, emphasizing the need for public awareness of the consequences of such actions.
Michael L. Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, reported that he has spoken to six soldiers who are considering filing for religious exemptions to avoid being selected for the firing squad. He anticipates that between 120 and 180 service members may submit accommodation requests in the coming weeks. The foundation advocates for the religious freedom of service members and addresses military policies that may infringe on their beliefs.
The soldiers have raised concerns about participating in what Weinstein described as a “grotesque public spectacle,” fearing that it would violate their religious beliefs against murder. Among the six soldiers, two are Catholic and four are Protestant. Weinstein noted that they feel manipulated and compared their situation to being “used like chess pieces on a board.”
An execution order signed by Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle mandates Hasan's execution on December 3 at 1 p.m. Central Time. This order was issued after President Donald Trump approved Hasan's death sentence on October 2, designating the commandant of the United States Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth as the execution officer. The order cites Army Regulation 190-55, which governs military executions but does not specify how soldiers will be selected for the firing squad or whether their participation will be voluntary.
Retired Air Force Major General Steven Lepper stated that soldiers ordered to participate would have limited legal recourse to refuse. While military regulations recognize conscientious objectors, they do not provide exemptions for specific assignments. Lepper described the situation as potentially lawful but problematic, indicating that if a soldier is ordered to participate, it would likely be considered a lawful order.
Cynthia Smith, an Army spokesperson, did not provide additional details regarding the selection of soldiers or the logistics of the broadcast. None of the soldiers who spoke with the Military Religious Freedom Foundation indicated they had been specifically chosen for the execution team. Weinstein advised the soldiers to file exemption requests, which would require review by a chaplain and approval from a commanding general. If denied, he suggested they file formal complaints against their commanders.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the public nature of the execution, which some soldiers believe could violate Christian tenets against prideful sinning. Weinstein mentioned that one soldier expressed a desire to avoid having their family witness the execution. The Pentagon has not disclosed details about the logistics of the execution or responded to inquiries regarding the matter.
Lepper cautioned that livestreaming the execution could provoke extremists and potentially elevate Hasan to martyr status, questioning the implications of such a precedent. Weinstein echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the execution could be perceived as an attack on Islam. Additionally, there are concerns that Hegseth may be using the execution as a political maneuver ahead of upcoming elections, with many soldiers expressing dissatisfaction with his leadership style and focus on cultural issues.