Trump says he will 'make a decision' on Pentagon's plans to livestream Nidal Hasan's firing squad execution
Maine News Now
President Trump Delays Decision on Livestreaming Fort Hood Gunman’s Execution
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump said Saturday that he had not yet decided whether the U.S. military should broadcast the execution of former Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan, who killed 13 soldiers and wounded 32 more at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009. The White House confirmed that the execution, scheduled for December 3, will be carried out by firing squad, the first such method used by the U.S. military since 1945.
The Pentagon had announced earlier this week that the execution would be livestreamed. Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, acknowledged the controversy but said he would ultimately make the decision. “There are two thoughts: don’t show it and show it,” Trump said. “Because, you know, by showing it, maybe other people won’t be doing what he did.” He added that the military wanted the execution to serve as an example.
“We’ll make a decision, ultimately,” Trump continued. “I know what the military would like to do, but we’ll make a decision.”
The decision to use a firing squad came after a recommendation from War Secretary Pete Hegseth. Trump’s comments followed a question from Fox News Digital about whether he had approved the livestream plan. Trump said he had not been involved in that specific decision, but that he understood the military’s rationale.
Vice President J.D. Vance, speaking to reporters in Syracuse, said he was unsure whether the execution would be livestreamed and, if it were, he would not watch it. “If it’s ultimately livestreamed, I’m not going to be watching it,” Vance told reporters.
The execution of Hasan would mark the first time the U.S. military has carried out a death sentence since 1961, and the first firing‑squad execution in over half a century. The event has drawn attention from across the country and has spurred debate over the appropriateness of publicly broadcasting a state‑sanctioned execution.
The final decision on whether the livestream will proceed is pending. The White House has not yet issued a definitive statement. The execution remains scheduled for December 3 at Fort Hood.