Political Backlash Against Livestreaming Execution
Several Republican figures have diverged from President Donald Trump’s stance on the Pentagon’s decision to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s announcement of the livestreaming plan ignited criticism from both parties. Democrats largely opposed it, and Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina labeled the idea as “beyond disgusting.” Vice President JD Vance expressed skepticism about whether the execution would indeed be livestreamed, yet confirmed he would not watch.
Trump confirmed on Friday his approval of the Pentagon’s decision. However, he initially refrained from directly expressing his preference for a livestream or acknowledging potential propaganda concerns, stating only that “he will be killed.” He later asserted Hasan deserved execution by firing squad, emphasizing the appropriateness of the death penalty in this case.
Ethical Concerns and Expert Opinions
Amherst College professor Austin Sarat, known for his work on the death penalty, criticized the idea of making the execution a public spectacle. He told Newsweek that while execution by firing squad is inherently brutal, livestreaming transforms it into a “spectacle of cruelty” that lacks educational value and instead instills fear. Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment but had not received a response as of the report.
Executions in U.S. Under Scrutiny
The debate over livestreaming comes amid heightened scrutiny of death penalty practices in the United States, spurred by the failed execution of Christa Pike in Tennessee. Newsweek provided a list of Republicans who have publicly spoken against the Pentagon’s plan to livestream Hasan’s execution.
Republican Opposition
Senator Thom Tillis: “Hasan should face the death penalty, but making his execution public and streaming it? Beyond disgusting,” Tillis posted on X, adding that public executions are characteristic of regimes like Iran’s.
Senator John Curtis: Curtis warned that livestreaming execution could create a morbid curiosity, echoing historical concerns from ancient Rome about public spectacles.
Senator John Kennedy: Kennedy voiced reservations about broadcasting the execution, suggesting it could degrade societal norms.
Representative Austin Scott: Scott opposed the notion, comparing the practice to those of jihadists and asserting that the United States should hold itself to a higher standard.
Representative Ann Wagner: Wagner concurred, stating the U.S. should not engage in public executions.
Representative Rob Bresnahan: Bresnahan argued that the focus should remain on justice rather than creating a public spectacle.
Representative Tom Barrett: Barrett appealed for reconsideration, emphasizing the impact on American values.
Representative Michael Baumgartner: Baumgartner supported Hasan’s conviction but rejected public livestreaming of the execution.
Nikki Haley: Haley, despite her support for Trump, condemned the practice by associating it with nations like Iran and North Korea, where public executions still occur.
Details of Hasan’s Execution
The execution by firing squad for Nidal Hasan is scheduled for 1 p.m. on December 3. According to Hegseth, viewers would have access to watch on a public platform to highlight the gravity of such crimes. Hasan, who was an Army major and psychiatrist, committed the attack on November 5, 2009, at Fort Hood, citing his motivation as preventing soldiers from deploying to Afghanistan.
Hasan was paralyzed during the attack and now uses a wheelchair. His military trial in 2013 resulted in a death sentence, following a conviction on 42 counts. The appellate process closed when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review it in 2025. The last firing squad execution by the military was during World War II. The most recent military execution occurred in 1961 when Army Pvt. John Bennett was hanged.
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