The Trump administration is reconsidering plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, the former Army major convicted of killing 13 people in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting. The Pentagon had previously announced the execution would be publicly broadcast, but officials now say the administration is leaning against the decision.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed last week that the execution would be livestreamed, stating in an interview that the Pentagon would make it public so Americans could witness the consequences of such acts. However, sources familiar with internal discussions told ABC News and CBS News that advisers to President Donald Trump are now debating whether to proceed with the broadcast. The administration has not yet made a final decision, with Trump stating on Tuesday that officials are still reviewing the matter.
The execution, scheduled for December 3, will use a firing squad. Hasan, who was paralyzed from the waist down during a 2009 shootout with police, will be confined to a wheelchair during the procedure. Some officials have raised concerns that broadcasting the event could provide propaganda material for extremist groups, while others argue it would reflect poorly on the U.S. The Pentagon has maintained that the livestream is still moving forward, with a defense official stating Tuesday that the execution will be broadcast as planned.
Congressional and GOP reactions
Several Republican lawmakers have publicly opposed the livestream, including Vice President JD Vance, who stated he would not watch the execution if it were broadcast. House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged colleagues' concerns, noting that some fear the video could be used as a recruiting tool for terrorists. Johnson also confirmed he would not watch the execution. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has not publicly commented on the matter.
Internal deliberations and potential adjustments
Sources told ABC News that officials are considering alternatives to a full livestream, including broadcasting only the period before the execution or positioning cameras outside the execution area. One official described the possibility of cutting away before the firing squad acts. The Pentagon has not yet released details on how the livestream would be conducted.
Background on Nidal Hasan
Hasan was convicted in 2013 for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, which resulted in 13 deaths and more than 30 injuries. During his trial, court records show Hasan expressed a desire to die during the attack and considered himself a martyr. His execution has been delayed for years due to legal appeals and administrative reviews.