US President Donald Trump and his advisers are reportedly reconsidering plans to livestream the planned execution of Nidal Hasan, the former US Army major convicted in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting.
According to CNN, Trump raised concerns after learning that Hasan is paralysed from the waist down and uses a wheelchair. Sources familiar with discussions inside the administration said the information made the prospect of broadcasting the execution publicly less appealing to the president.
The debate follows Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s announcement that the Pentagon planned to livestream the execution, which has attracted criticism from both Democrats and Republicans.
Trump Weighs Public Broadcast of Execution
CNN reported that Trump was initially unaware of Hegseth’s announcement. Although the president supported the decision to execute Hasan by firing squad, he reportedly sought opinions from advisers and political allies about whether the event should be shown publicly.
Trump later acknowledged that he was considering arguments on both sides.
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, he said broadcasting the execution might discourage others from committing similar crimes. However, he indicated that he had not made a final decision.
The White House directed CNN to Trump’s public comments when asked about the discussions.
Pentagon Reviews Livestream Plan
The Pentagon is also reviewing the proposed broadcast, according to a source cited by CNN.
Even if officials proceed with a livestream, the broadcast could end before the firing squad shoots Hasan. The reported concern is that showing the execution in full could provide propaganda material for terrorist groups seeking to portray him as a martyr.
Hegseth’s office had not responded to further questions about whether the plans had changed at the time of CNN’s report.
The proposal has reportedly surprised some officials within the Pentagon and the US Army. It has also drawn bipartisan criticism, adding pressure on the administration to reconsider how the execution would be handled.
Why Nidal Hasan Was Sentenced to Death
Hasan was convicted for his role in the November 2009 shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, in which 13 people were killed and dozens were wounded.
During the attack, Hasan targeted fellow soldiers at the military installation. He later said he wanted to protect the Taliban and its leaders from the US military.
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Law enforcement officers shot Hasan during the incident, leaving him paralysed from the waist down. He has used a wheelchair since then.
According to CNN, Hegseth recommended death by firing squad, and Trump approved the recommendation.
Execution Scheduled for December 3
The execution is scheduled for December 3 at Fort Hood, according to the report.
If carried out as planned, it would mark the US Army’s first execution of a soldier by firing squad since World War II. It would also be the first time in 65 years that the Army has imposed the death penalty on a service member.
However, the administration’s decision on whether to livestream the execution remains uncertain. Trump has said he will make the final call after considering the competing arguments.
The debate has raised wider questions about public executions, military justice and the potential consequences of broadcasting such an event.
For now, the Pentagon’s review and Trump’s final decision will determine whether the public sees any part of the planned execution.
