Trump Questions Livestream of Fort Hood Shooter’s Execution Amid Bipartisan Backlash
President Donald Trump has cast doubt on whether the upcoming execution of Nidal Hasan, the Fort Hood shooter, will be livestreamed, as a Pentagon plan to broadcast the December 3 firing squad execution faces widespread condemnation. The proposal has drawn criticism from lawmakers of both parties, the UN human rights chief, and rights groups, who argue that publicizing an execution sets a dangerous precedent. Trump, who approved Hasan’s execution, told reporters at the White House that he will ultimately make the decision, saying he would “make a determination” on the matter while insisting that Hasan will be executed by firing squad regardless.nnThe controversy centers on Hasan, a former Army major and psychiatrist who killed 13 people and wounded 20 others in a 2009 shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. He was sentenced to death for the attack, which occurred as soldiers waited in lines for immunizations and medical clearance before deployment. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously announced that the execution would be livestreamed, but the plan has since sparked intense debate. Trump has called Hasan a “vicious killer” who murdered 13 people “in cold blood,” but he now appears to be reconsidering the public broadcast aspect. The White House has not provided a timeline for a final decision.nnComplicating matters, experts on military law note that Hasan could choose to resist execution by filing a habeas petition in civilian court, a legal move that could significantly delay the execution. This adds another layer of uncertainty to an already contentious case. Meanwhile, Trump’s stance on public executions has drawn scrutiny given his past criticism of public executions in Iran, where he has at times cited the possibility of protesters being killed as a rationale for military action. The apparent inconsistency has raised questions about the administration’s human rights messaging.nnThe plan to livestream Hasan’s execution has united critics across the political spectrum, with lawmakers from both parties expressing alarm. The UN human rights chief and rights organizations have also condemned the idea, warning that it could amount to cruel and unusual punishment and undermine human dignity. As the December 3 date approaches, all eyes are on Trump, who has left the door open to either allowing or blocking the broadcast. For now, the only certainty is that Hasan will be executed by firing squad—but whether the world will watch remains an open
Shimanta Das 
