US Defense Department's Plan to Live Stream Mass Shooter's Execution Sparks Backlash: 'Abhorrent'

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

The controversy was ignited by a statement from the Pentagon on October 8.

The department announced plans to execute Nidal Malik Hasan, who took 13 lives in a 2009 military base mass shooting, by firing squad and to broadcast the event 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 plan on X, writing, "Hasan deserves to be executed, but publicizing it and broadcasting it live is extremely sickening." He added, "Public executions are something authoritarian regimes like Iran and Afghanistan do. It is not something that should happen in the United States."

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

The United Nations also criticized the plan, stating, "Frankly, governments executing people publicly or in front of live-streamed cameras is abhorrent."

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, made the remarks during a regular briefing at UN Headquarters in New York, noting, "Public executions, such as those 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 affirming during a gaggle with reporters on October 9 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. We'll see."

The Washington Post noted that Vance's remarks marked the first instance of a high-ranking Trump administration official showing discomfort with the Pentagon's decision regarding 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 broadcast, he did not state a clear position, 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 rampage left 13 service members and civilians dead and 32 others injured.

The Washington Post reported that if Hasan's execution is broadcast live, it would mark the first time U.S. authorities have shown an execution to the public in real time.

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.