Donald Trump Drops Plan to Livestream Fort Hood Shooter's Execution
Following intense criticism, US President Donald Trump has abandoned the decision to livestream Nidal Hasan's execution.
US President Donald Trump has abandoned the controversial plan to livestream the execution of 2009 Fort Hood attack convict Nidal Hasan over the internet, following intense domestic and global backlash.
Livestream Plan Abandoned
US President Donald Trump has canceled the plan to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, the perpetrator of the 2009 attack at the Fort Hood military base that resulted in the deaths of 13 people.
Making a statement on his Truth Social account, Trump stated that although he thought the broadcast could act as a deterrent, many people did not want to watch such a death through visual media.
Execution Date and Method Unchanged
The plan for Nidal Hasan's death penalty to be carried out by firing squad on December 3, 2026, however, remains proceeding as planned.
This practice holds the distinction of being the first military execution to be carried out in the country in over sixty years.
Right of Observation for Victims' Relatives
While it has been finalized that the execution ceremony will not be broadcast live on the internet, it was announced that first-degree relatives of the victims can witness the execution in person if they wish.
Global and National Reactions
The initial announcement by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was met with great backlash by lawmakers from both political wings, human rights organizations, the United Nations, and religious leaders.
This plan became the target of criticism worldwide, being compared to practices in countries such as Iran and Afghanistan.
Message of Harmony Within the Administration
While it was stated that the cancellation decision was made following intense criticism, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell conveyed that Defense Secretary Hegseth and President Trump were in complete alignment regarding this decision.