Controversy Over Livestreaming Execution of Nidal Malik Hasan

Several Republican lawmakers have voiced disagreement with President Donald Trump regarding the Pentagon’s plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, the Fort Hood shooter. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans for the live broadcast, prompting backlash across the political spectrum. Democratic politicians expressed strong opposition, while outgoing Republican Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina deemed the plan “beyond disgusting.” Vice President JD Vance expressed skepticism about whether the livestream would proceed and stated he would not watch it if it did.

Despite the criticism, Trump affirmed his approval of the Pentagon’s decision to proceed with the livestream. When questioned about the potential propaganda risks and the necessity of streaming the execution, Trump commented, “Well, they’re making a determination about that, but he will be killed.” He maintained that Hasan deserved execution by a firing squad, and emphasized the suitability of the death penalty for him, stating, “I really don’t care how he goes, as long as he goes.”

Amherst College professor Austin Sarat, who has written extensively on the death penalty, told Newsweek that executions by firing squads are “always brutal.” He argued that livestreaming the execution would convert this brutality into a public spectacle and said, “Live-streaming will not educate. It will terrorize and is beneath the dignity that we owe to anyone, even those who commit the kind of horrific crime that Nidal Hasan did.” Newsweek has attempted to contact the White House for additional comments.

Public executions are what oppressive dictatorships like Iran and Afghanistan do. It should not be happening in America.

The plan has sparked renewed examination of the execution practices in the U.S., especially after the problematic execution of Christa Pike in Tennessee. Various Republicans have aired concerns about the plan to livestream Hasan’s execution:

• Senator Thom Tillis: Tillis condemned public executions, citing them as actions characteristic of oppressive regimes like Iran and Afghanistan. He asserted that such practices should not occur in America.
• Senator John Curtis: Curtis drew historical parallels with Roman spectacles, arguing that publicizing executions undermines societal values. He urged Hegseth to reconsider, insisting that justice should be delivered with dignity.
• Senator John Kennedy: While campaigning in Michigan, Kennedy remarked that publicizing the execution “makes our society coarser” and he would choose not to televise it.
• Representative Austin Scott: Scott was critical of the plan, comparing it to the actions of jihadists and insisting America can do better.
• Representative Ann Wagner: Wagner opposed livestreaming executions, reinforcing that it is not in line with American values.
• Representative Rob Bresnahan: Bresnahan emphasized respect for victims, arguing against turning executions into entertainment.
• Representative Tom Barrett: Barrett acknowledged Hasan’s crimes but stated that public spectacle does not align with American principles of dignity.
• Representative Michael Baumgartner: Baumgartner supported justice for Hasan without a public execution livestream.
• Nikki Haley: Haley noted the inappropriateness of aligning with countries like Iran and North Korea in conducting public executions.

Hasan’s execution is scheduled for December 3 at 1 p.m. According to Hegseth, soldiers will form the firing squad. He asserted the public nature of the event as a means to demonstrate the serious consequences of such crimes. Hasan was paralyzed after being shot by law enforcement during his 2009 attack, which resulted in 13 deaths and 32 injuries. Convicted and sentenced to death in 2013, Hasan’s execution would be the first military execution by firing squad since World War II.