Republican concerns mount over livestreaming Fort Hood shooter

Washington — A growing number of Republicans are voicing concern over the Pentagon's plan to livestream the execution of the Fort Hood shooter in December — or at the very least, saying they won't be watching.

House Speaker Mike Johnson told CBS News that some in the House Republican conference don't approve, and said he planned on bringing those concerns to the White House.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said there is "no need to livestream any execution, including this one," urging the Pentagon to change course.

Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said in a statement, "The death penalty is not entertainment." He said families of the victims deserve justice. "But publicizing the execution of religious extremists provides exactly what terrorists crave: an audience. It converts the most consequential punishment a government can impose into a public spectacle."

"Justice will be served, but the United States of America does not and should not livestream executions," Republican Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri wrote on X.

Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina on Friday called livestreaming the execution "beyond disgusting."

Vice President JD Vance said Friday that he wouldn't be watching if it's livestreamed, and added, "I don't know that that's actually going to happen."

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the livestreaming decision on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" this weekend. Asked if the administration risks making Hasan a martyr, Mullin responded, "No one has to watch it." Pressed further on whether the decision risks radicalizing others, Mullin said, "I think people need to understand if you attack— if you attack America, we will come after you, and we will make sure that the— that the punishment fits the crime."

"There are two thoughts: don't show it and show it," the president told reporters at the White House Saturday. "'Cause you know, by showing it, maybe other people won't be doing what he did. So I'll make a decision ultimately. I know what the military would like to do, but I'll make a decision."

When a reporter asked the president Friday if he authorized or approved the livestreaming decision, he said, "Absolutely, I did." But in an interview with CNY Central Syracuse later that day, he said he "wasn't involved in that decision" to livestream the execution, while saying he understood that decision was made to "have it serve as an example."

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Vance says he wouldn't watch livestream of Fort Hood shooter's execution