The U.S. Pentagon has announced that the execution of former Army Major Nidal Hasan, who killed 13 unarmed soldiers at Fort Hood in 2009, by firing squad will be livestreamed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the decision, stating that the public will have the opportunity to witness the event. This move is believed to be the first public execution in the United States in almost a century and represents an unprecedented step in modern times.

This unprecedented decision comes as the military prepares for its first execution in over 60 years. Hasan, a former U.S. Army psychiatrist, admitted to the 2009 shooting spree that killed 13 soldiers and wounded many others at a crowded medical building on the Texas base. The Pentagon's announcement earlier this week confirmed that Hasan would be executed, with President Donald Trump having approved the Defense Secretary's recommendation.

Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasized the need for the public to understand the severe consequences of such actions. He indicated that Hasan would face a firing squad composed of soldiers, stating "As it should be." When asked about Hasan's final requests or any contact with President Trump, Hegseth dismissed the inquiries, confirming the execution is scheduled for December 3rd.

The decision to livestream the execution has drawn criticism and raised legal questions. John Mills, a lawyer specializing in death penalty cases, described the move as being on "uncertain legal terrain." The United Nations human rights office stated that livestreaming the execution would be equivalent to a public execution and violate the absolute prohibition of torture. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy called the idea "disgusting" and reminiscent of executions carried out by the Islamic State group.

Alonzo Lunsford, a former Army sergeant who survived the Fort Hood attack after being shot seven times, expressed support for the firing squad execution as a fitting method for Hasan's crimes. While Lunsford questioned the broader public livestreaming, concerned about the message it sends to younger people, he believes it is important for those directly affected by the shooting to have the opportunity to witness it.

Lunsford plans to attend the execution and wishes to confront Hasan before the sentence is carried out, stating he wants Hasan "to know he failed. I'm still here." The Pentagon has stated it will "make sure people can watch Hasan execution."

Globally, public executions are rare. According to Amnesty International, while over 2,700 executions were carried out across 17 countries last year, only Iran and Afghanistan conducted them publicly, with Iran carrying out eleven and Afghanistan six in 2025. The U.S. military's last execution by firing squad was during World War Two.

Questions remain regarding the specific legal justifications for livestreaming the execution and the precise nature of the public access that will be granted. The White House has not yet publicly commented on President Trump's stance on livestreamed public executions.