Fort Hood Shooter to Face Firing Squad in First Military Execution in Decades

The execution of former US Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan by firing squad will be livestreamed to the public on December 3, according to the Pentagon and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hasan was convicted of killing 13 people and injuring 32 others in a mass shooting at the Fort Hood military base in Texas in 2009.

The Announcement

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the execution plans during an interview with the conservative TV outlet Real America's Voice News, stating that the public needs to understand there are serious consequences for such actions. Hegseth added that Hasan will face a firing squad of soldiers and that officials will ensure people are able to watch the event. Pentagon officials confirmed on Thursday that a livestream will take place, while the White House referred all questions about the livestream plans back to the Pentagon. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated earlier that President Donald Trump approved the execution after Hegseth recommended it.

Background

During his 2013 court martial, Hasan admitted to being the gunman in the November 2009 attack, which occurred in a crowded medical building where deploying soldiers awaited check-ups and vaccines. He apologized for mistakes during the trial and claimed he acted to protect Muslims and the Taliban in Afghanistan. Hegseth noted that the military has not executed a servicemember by firing squad since World War II, and the last US military execution overall occurred on April 13, 1961, when Army Private John Bennett was hanged. Meanwhile, lawyer John Mills noted that Hasan's appellate process is not finished and he is expected to seek review in federal court, which could stay the execution.

Context

Military death sentences require presidential approval, thorough appellate review, and a final legal judgment before they can proceed. Public executions have no modern precedent in the United States, meaning any move to broadcast the event is taking place on uncertain legal ground.