A group of 72 retired generals and senior military leaders are pushing for the Trump administration to cancel the planned livestream of Nidal Malik Hasan’s execution. Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, was convicted of a shooting at Fort Hood in 2009, killing 13 people. President Donald Trump previously authorized Hasan’s execution by firing squad, scheduled for December 3, and the Army announced intentions to livestream it.
The retired officers issued an open letter urging the President, Congress, and citizens to prevent what they described as a misuse of authority. According to their letter, circulated via Just Security, making the execution public undermines military and national values, contradicting the notion of basic human dignity.
They maintained that, although the court-martial unanimously determined death to be appropriate for Hasan’s crimes, the government is still responsible for ensuring the execution aligns with constitutional and national values. Livestreaming, they argued, violates the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment, turning the execution into a spectacle rather than a solemn event. They expressed concern that it might damage the military’s honor and could be exploited by enemies to incite hatred, potentially endangering Americans in the future.
Among those signing the letter were notable figures such as General Johnnie Wilson and Lieutenant-General Charles P. Otstott. Newsweek reached out to the White House and Pentagon for responses but did not receive immediate replies.
Trump’s Stance and Concerns
President Trump, advocating capital punishment, confirmed his approval of the livestream plan. Yet, discussions are ongoing about retracting this decision. The President has considered arguments that the broadcast could act as propaganda, altering his stance since learning that Hasan, paralyzed in a prior incident, uses a wheelchair.
Execution Details and Reaction
Nidal Hasan’s execution is set at Fort Hood, Texas, on December 3. Hasan, having admitted in court to the attack, was convicted and sentenced to death in 2013. Trump’s order on October 2 allowed the Army to finalize the execution date.
Execution by a military firing squad has not occurred since World War II, the last military execution happening in 1961. Army Regulation 190-55 dictates who can witness military executions, restricting general public attendance and limiting media presence.
Religious leaders also oppose the livestream, including Archbishop Paul Coakley, who condemned the move as promoting a ‘culture of death.’ Politicians across the political spectrum share these criticisms.