A plan to livestream the execution of convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan has reportedly caught Pentagon and US Army officials off guard, with questions still being raised over how the broadcast would be carried out.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the proposal during an interview aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, saying Americans should be able to witness the consequences of Hasan’s actions. The decision was later publicly confirmed by the Pentagon.
Many military officials are understood to have learned that the execution would be made public only after Hegseth’s announcement earlier this week.
Hegseth, acting Army Secretary Adam Telle and Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell subsequently agreed that the execution would be livestreamed, according to reports.
Officials are now considering the practical arrangements, including how to protect the identities of the soldiers selected for the firing squad. A military unit has reportedly already been chosen to carry out the execution.
The psychological impact on those taking part is also being considered. Questions remain over whether soldiers could refuse to participate and where the livestream would be made available.
The proposal has prompted criticism from service members, veterans and lawmakers from both major political parties. Vice President JD Vance also expressed uncertainty about whether the broadcast would go ahead, saying he would not watch it.
President Donald Trump defended the decision to execute Hasan by firing squad, saying the convicted killer deserved the death penalty, but said he had not been involved in the livestream decision.
Hasan was convicted of killing 13 people and injuring 32 others during the 2009 Fort Hood massacre. His execution is scheduled to take place in Texas on December 3.
