Trump Cancels Livestreamed Execution Plan for Nidal Hasan After Bipartisan Criticism
Trump reverses livestream plan
Trump announced Thursday on social media that the execution would not be shown through a livestream or another visual device. He said public footage might have deterred terrorism, but acknowledged that many people would not want to watch Hasan die.
The Pentagon has said Hasan is scheduled to be executed on Dec. 3. Trump said the victims’ immediate families could attend in person if they wished.
Plan drew bipartisan criticism
Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Hasan’s execution would be public. The Pentagon later confirmed it would be livestreamed, prompting objections from Republicans and Democrats.
Critics said images of an execution could contribute to radicalization. The announcement also raised questions about publicly showing the death of a convicted shooter.
Vance said he would not watch
Asked earlier this month how a public execution fit with his Christian faith, Vice President JD Vance said he was unsure it would happen. He also urged people not to lose sight of Hasan’s killings of innocent people.
Vance said that if the execution were livestreamed, he would not watch. Trump’s announcement means the Pentagon will no longer broadcast the execution live.
Key points
- Trump said the Pentagon will not livestream Hasan’s execution.
- The Pentagon has scheduled the execution for Dec. 3.
- Trump said victims’ immediate families may attend in person if they choose.
- Critics from both parties warned the images could fuel radicalization.