US Lawmakers Slam Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's Plan to Livestream Nidal Hasan's Execution

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is facing widespread condemnation following his announcement that the execution of former Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Hasan, convicted of killing 13 people at a military base in Texas, will be livestreamed. Lawmakers from both political parties expressed immediate outrage after the Pentagon chief revealed to a conservative news outlet that the death by firing squad would be made public.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis strongly criticized the move on social media, calling public executions the method of oppressive dictatorships like Iran and Afghanistan rather than America. Republican Congressman Austin Scott of the US House Armed Services Committee similarly opposed the plan, comparing live-streaming executions to the tactics of jihadists. Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Rob Bresnahan emphasized that the focus should remain on respecting the victims and their families rather than staging a public show.

The controversy stems from the 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood, where Hasan was subsequently sentenced to death in August 2013 by a military jury on 45 counts of premeditated murder and attempted murder. Following US President Donald Trump's authorization of a firing squad, Hegseth scheduled the execution for December 3 at 1pm local time (19:00 GMT) at the military base.

Democratic lawmakers also blasted the decision. US Senator Jack Reed called the plan a barbaric spectacle and a gift to terrorist recruiters, urging the Trump administration to reconsider. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut expressed shock during a CNN interview, questioning if the administration was mimicking ISIS executions. Conversely, Republican Congressman Andy Ogles supported the decision, calling the public execution well-deserved for a terrorist.

US Vice President JD Vance stated he would not be watching the livestream and questioned whether it would actually take place. Under existing US Army policy, military executions have strict attendance limits excluding minors and restricting witnesses primarily to victims, family members, lawyers, and select media. Executing a public broadcast would require a presidential waiver from Donald Trump, though the White House has not yet responded to inquiries regarding permission. The United Nations has also strongly condemned the plan, warning that broadcasting the execution would breach international law and constitute torture.