Pentagon's plan to livestream Fort Hood shooter's execution sparks intense backlash
Updated on: October 10, 2026 / 12:51 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- The Pentagon plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan by firing squad.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the plan, stating it serves as a consequence for severe actions.
- President Trump approved the plan and believes it can serve as an example.
- Several Republican senators, including Thom Tillis and John Curtis, have strongly condemned the decision as 'disgusting' and reminiscent of oppressive dictatorships.
- Critics warn that livestreaming the execution could inspire more acts of terrorism and create a martyr for extremist groups.
- Democratic Senator Chris Murphy described public executions as 'medieval' and comparable to ISIS tactics.
- Former officials and religious leaders have urged reconsideration, citing moral objections and potential negative societal impacts.
- Alonzo Lunsford, a survivor of the Fort Hood shooting, supports the execution but not its public livestreaming for entertainment.
- The last public execution in the U.S. was a hanging in 1936.
- The decision comes amid efforts to impeach Secretary Hegseth.