"Are We Iran?" Backlash Mounts Over Plan to Live-Stream Mass Shooter's Execution

Criticism is pouring in over the U.S. Department of Defense's plan to live-stream the execution of a military base mass shooter.

The controversy was sparked by a statement from the Pentagon on the 8th (local time).

The department announced plans to execute Nidal Malik Hasan, who took 13 lives in a 2009 shooting at a U.S. military base, by firing squad and to broadcast it live.

Hasan's execution is scheduled for December 3, and the specific method of live-streaming has reportedly not yet been finalized.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis criticized the move on X, writing, "Hasan deserves to be executed, but making it public and live-streaming it is extremely disgusting." He added, "Public executions are something authoritarian regimes like Iran and Afghanistan do. That should not happen in the United States."

Republican Senator John Curtis and Representative Austin Scott also expressed concern, urging Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to reconsider.

The United Nations also criticized the plan, stating, "For a government to execute someone publicly or in front of live-streaming cameras is, frankly, abhorrent."

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, made the remarks during a regular briefing at UN Headquarters in New York, saying, "Public executions, which we have seen in other countries like Iran and Afghanistan, can amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment."

Vice President JD Vance also expressed unease regarding the live-streaming plan.

While maintaining during a gaggle with reporters on the 9th that Hasan's death sentence is justified, Vance stated that he would not watch if the execution is broadcast live.

Vance also remarked, "I don't know if it will actually happen. Let's see."

Commenting on Vance's remarks, The Washington Post (WP) pointed out that this is the first instance of a high-ranking official in the Trump administration showing discomfort with the Defense Department's decision on a public execution.

President Trump stated on the same day that the firing squad execution for Hasan is justified, saying, "He deserves that kind of punishment."

When asked whether he supports the live-stream, he did not take a clear stance, saying, "I understand that matter is currently being decided."

Hasan, who was a military psychiatrist and major, opened fire in November 2009 while serving at Fort Hood in Texas.

The incident left 13 service members and civilians dead and 32 others injured.

WP reported that if Hasan's execution is live-streamed, it would mark the first time U.S. authorities have publicly shown an execution in real time.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.