Retired Military Leaders Oppose Livestreaming of Hasan Execution

Opposition to Livestreaming by Military Leaders

A group of 72 retired generals and senior military figures is urging the Trump administration to cancel plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, the Fort Hood shooter. Hasan, previously an Army psychiatrist, was convicted of killing 13 individuals in a 2009 shooting rampage at the military base.

President Donald Trump approved Hasan’s execution by firing squad in October, scheduling it for December 3. Recently, the Pentagon announced that the execution would be livestreamed, following comments from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who mentioned it would be “public.”

The retired military officers expressed concern: “We ask the President, our Congressional representatives, and our fellow citizens to act to prevent this barbaric abuse of authority: Livestreaming an execution debases the values, principles, and commitment to basic human dignity of our military and our nation.”

Although the court-martial unanimously agreed on the death sentence for Hasan, the officers stressed that this decision does not absolve the government’s responsibility to ensure the execution aligns with the nation’s values and constitutional standards. They argued that livestreaming the event would infringe the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment and stated that Army execution regulations are intended to uphold this serious responsibility.

In their letter, they highlighted that livestreaming would undermine the basic human dignity of the condemned prisoner and turn a grave punishment into a spectacle. Such actions could damage the military’s honor and the nation’s image, warning that adversaries might exploit the event to inflame hostility and harm American soldiers and citizens.

Concerns Raised with Authorities

The open letter was backed by numerous retired military leaders including generals and admirals. Signatories included General Johnnie Wilson and Lieutenant-General Charles P. Otstott, among others. Newsweek reached out to the White House and Pentagon for comments outside regular business hours.

President Trump’s Perspective

Trump, a firm supporter of capital punishment, confirmed his approval for the execution to be livestreamed. He defended the execution method by firing squad, though he is considering whether to halt the livestream plans, influenced by discussions about Hasan’s paralysis from a law enforcement-inflicted injury.

Some advisors suggest that livestreaming could serve as propaganda. Trump acknowledged the debate between revealing the execution to potentially deter similar crimes and opting for privacy. Politicians and religious leaders across different spectrums have criticized the livestream proposal. Archbishop Paul Coakley labeled it a “barbaric promotion of a culture of death.”

Execution Details and Background of Hasan

The Army announced Hasan’s execution at Fort Hood, Texas, scheduled for December 3 at 1 p.m. Hasan, who was an Army major, carried out the attack on November 5, 2009, shouting “Allahu akbar,” meaning “God is great,” as he opened fire. Hasan stated his actions were meant to deter soldiers from deploying to Afghanistan.

A military jury convicted Hasan on 42 charges in 2013, sentencing him to death after he confessed to being the shooter. Hasan’s appellate process concluded with the U.S. Supreme Court denying review in March 2025. Trump sanctioned the execution by firing squad earlier in October.

The practice of executing military personnel by firing squad has not occurred since World War II. The most recent military execution happened in 1961 when Army Private John Bennett was hanged.

Regulations on Witnessing Executions

Army Regulation 190-55 outlines who may witness military executions, not allowing unrestricted public attendance. Authorized witnesses include specific military personnel, the execution team, the condemned’s attorney, a chaplain, the prisoner’s family representatives, and select media personnel.

Retired Colonel John Galligan confirmed via email that the public and general media are not permitted, noting the regulation’s directives. The Army remains tight-lipped regarding specifics of the execution at Fort Hood, but asserts compliance with the regulation.

For further insights, Newsweek editors Becca Flood and Paul Donnelley are available for contact.