<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/department-of-homeland-security/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Homeland Security</a> Secretary <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/markwayne-mullin/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Markwayne Mullin</a> stated that livestreaming the execution of Fort Hood mass shooter Nidal Malik Hasan does not pose a risk of making him a martyr, asserting that individuals opposed to the broadcast do not have to watch.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">During an appearance on CBS News’s <em>Face the Nation</em> on Sunday, Mullin expressed that he does not perceive an “elevated risk” of radicalization in the United States due to the planned livestreaming of Hasan's execution by firing squad in December. This statement came despite moderator Margaret Brennan highlighting that Hasan's wheelchair status might evoke sympathy from viewers.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mullin remarked, “No one has to watch it. But for me to have sympathy for anybody that killed 13 service members and a scumbag like this is a psycho who was supposed to be a psychiatrist,” as Brennan reiterated concerns regarding the livestreaming.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">President <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/donald-trump/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a> has indicated that Hasan’s execution would “absolutely” be broadcast live, following an announcement by War Secretary <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/pete-hegseth/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pete Hegseth</a>. Although Trump has mentioned that a final decision has not yet been made, he noted he would have the ultimate authority on the matter.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Some Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns that airing the execution could provide terrorists with the audience they seek. When asked about the potential for radicalizing more individuals, Mullin stated that the Department of Homeland Security has considered this risk.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mullin added, “We weigh the risk every single day in this country. Department of Homeland Security. That’s what we do, is we protect the homeland. But I don’t see an elevated risk at this point at all because of this: I think people need to understand if you attack America, we will come after you, and we will make sure that the punishment fits the crime, and in this case, he killed 13 individuals on Fort Hood. I have no sympathy for him, and I give absolutely zero thought to the way that this man dies.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hasan is scheduled for execution by firing squad on December 3, following the 2009 attack in which he opened fire inside a medical center for soldiers, resulting in the deaths of 14 people, including an unborn baby. This incident is noted as one of the deadliest mass shootings at a military base in U.S. history. Hasan, who was a U.S. Army major and psychiatrist at the time, will be the first military execution by firing squad in the U.S. since 1945.</p>