Trump Cancels Plan to Livestream Execution of Fort Hood Shooter

President Donald Trump has announced that the execution of former Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan will not be livestreamed. Hasan was convicted of killing 13 people in a shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009. The execution is scheduled for December 3, 2026, and will be carried out by firing squad.

Trump shared his decision on his Truth Social platform, explaining that he initially thought broadcasting the execution could deter terrorism. However, he changed his mind after hearing from people who opposed the idea of showing the execution publicly. He stated, “Many very good and well-meaning people would rather not watch him die.”

Families of the victims will have the option to attend the execution in person. Trump emphasized that they deserve to witness justice. He referred to Hasan as a “very bad and evil man” and criticized the previous Obama administration for its handling of intelligence related to Hasan before the attack.

Hasan was convicted in 2013 of premeditated murder and attempted murder. He opened fire on fellow soldiers at Fort Hood on November 5, 2009, killing 13 and injuring 32 others. The case raised questions about how the FBI and military authorities managed information about Hasan’s communications with a cleric linked to terrorism.

The decision to cancel the livestreaming plan follows backlash from lawmakers and religious leaders after the idea was initially proposed by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.