President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has not yet determined whether the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, the convicted Fort Hood gunman, will be broadcast live. Trump stated that he will eventually decide on the matter.
The Pentagon previously confirmed to Fox News Digital that Hasan’s execution, planned for December 3, would be livestreamed. Hasan, a former Army major, was convicted for the 2009 attack at Fort Hood that left 13 dead and 32 wounded.
At a White House press event, Trump commented on Hasan’s execution, describing Hasan as ‘vicious’ and ‘violent.’ When questioned about broadcasting the execution, Trump expressed two perspectives: either not showing it or showing it as a potential deterrent. ‘I’ll make a decision, ultimately,’ he said. ‘I know what the military would like to do, but we’ll make a decision.’
Fox News Digital reported earlier that Trump had approved the execution method—a firing squad—at the suggestion of War Secretary Pete Hegseth. The approval came one day after Trump was questioned about his involvement in the decision to livestream the event.
Trump clarified during an interview with CNY Central that he was not involved in the decision to livestream but understood its rationale as a potential example to dissuade others.
Vice President JD Vance shared his uncertainty regarding the potential livestream. ‘If it’s ultimately livestreamed, I’m not going to be watching it,’ he told reporters.
Major Nidal Malik Hasan, identified as the mass shooter at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009, could become the subject of the first U.S. military execution since 1961, and the first by firing squad since 1945.
The Bernie Beck Gate at Fort Hood was photographed at sunrise on November 7, 2009, following the tragic event that occurred two days prior. If Hasan’s execution goes forward, it will mark a historic event in the U.S. military’s history of capital punishment.
Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr provided additional information.
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