Damien Echols, who was released from death row after almost twenty years, believes livestreaming the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan will harm American society. Hasan, convicted for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, is set for execution by firing squad on December 3. A Pentagon official confirmed to Newsweek that his execution will be livestreamed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had indicated it would be made public.
Hasan’s attack took place during the global War on Terrorism. His actions were ideologically driven. Before the attack, he communicated with Anwar al-Awlaki, a known Al-Qaeda figure who praised Hasan afterward. During his court-martial, Hasan admitted being on what he called America’s ‘war on Islam’ before switching sides.
Echols remarked to Newsweek that streaming Hasan’s execution is damaging to the mental, emotional, and spiritual health of society and civilization.
Plans to livestream the execution have led to widespread criticism, even from some Republicans. Recent attention to execution methods in the U.S. increased after Christa Pike’s failed execution in Tennessee in September. Support for the death penalty in the U.S. has been declining over the last twenty years. This would be the first-ever government-broadcast execution in U.S. history if it proceeds. Relatives of Fort Hood shooting victims have asked President Donald Trump to reconsider the decision.
Echols, now an author and magician, shared his experiences that shape his views on capital punishment. He noted that some people on death row have reformed. Echols argued that executing those individuals squanders potential. Conversely, he acknowledged some inmates remain dangerous and might harm others if released.
‘I can’t claim to be entirely against the death penalty in all cases,’ he stated. ‘The death penalty is an evil thing, yet could prevent even greater harms.’
Warning of Desensitization
In response to the Pentagon’s execution plan, Echols posted on social media, urging people not to watch. His post gained over 500,000 views and more than 10,000 likes.
‘Don’t watch it. Witnessing someone’s death changes you,’
he wrote. Echols expressed concerns that true crime content desensitizes viewers.
‘Some assert that watching such content doesn’t affect them anymore,’
Echols wrote.‘That itself indicates desensitization.’ He worried that social media could spread the execution video beyond its intended audience, exposing impressionable children.
Impact on Society
Since his release, Echols observed increasing societal polarization.‘I’ve seen society degrade markedly in just fifteen years since my release,’ he stated. Echols fears a livestreamed execution might worsen these issues.
‘This isn’t solely about the execution itself,’ he clarified. ‘It regards reveling in bloodlust by livestreaming.’ He voiced concerns that broadcasting the execution could bolster Hasan’s standing among extremists.
Echols cited the 2011 operation that killed Osama bin Laden as an example where authorities wisely avoided public broadcasting.
Message to Trump
Though not politically active, Echols urged President Trump to reconsider the plan. ‘For the sake of the viewing public, particularly children, please rethink this decision.’
Trump Says He Approved Livestream Plan
President Trump, a capital punishment proponent, confirmed his approval for the livestream plan. On Friday, he remarked, ‘Did I approve? Absolutely.’ Posobiec announced plans for an execution in Fort Hood, Texas, on December 3. Execution by firing squad will occur publicly to highlight the gravity of Hasan’s actions.
When Is Hasan’s Execution?
The Army announced Hasan’s execution will occur December 3 at Fort Hood, Texas. Soldiers will serve as the firing squad. The most recent military execution took place in 1961, involving Army Private John Bennett, who was hanged.
What Is Next in Echols’ Case?
Echols continues fighting to clear his name from the West Memphis 3 case. His co-defendants, Jason Baldwin and Jesse Misskelley, received life sentences for killing three boys in West Memphis, Arkansas, despite insufficient physical evidence. All were released in 2011 following a plea deal after DNA tests cleared them.
The Arkansas Supreme Court granted further DNA testing of crime scene evidence in 2024. Echols remains hopeful the testing will conclusively identify the killer. ‘We’ve faced delays, but perhaps the finish line is within reach,’ Echols said.
Newsweek editors on this story: Matthew Cannon and James Debens.
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