"Cannot Make Him a Martyr"... Is Trump Backing Down on Live-Broadcasting Firing Squad Execution?

As mounting criticism erupts in the United States over the live broadcasting of a Muslim terrorist's execution by firing squad, reports have emerged suggesting that President Donald Trump has signaled a negative view of it personally.

Citing an aide, U.S. media outlet Axios reported that Trump said the live broadcast "might not happen" as criticisms poured in from Democrats as well as Republicans.

Axios added that this aide is not an administration official.

The aide claimed that Trump does not appear to be particularly enthusiastic about the live broadcast, and "that's why he's been calling people here and there to ask what they think."

Another aide, who said they spoke with Trump, conveyed that "the President wants the death row inmate Hasan to pay the price," while adding, "at the same time, the President does not want to make Hasan a martyr."

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on October 9 regarding the firing squad execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, a Muslim who killed 13 people in a 2009 shooting spree while serving in the U.S. military, that "we are going to allow people to watch it."

Previously, President Trump approved the firing squad execution earlier this month, with the scheduled execution date set for this coming December.

As soon as Hegseth's remarks became known, various sectors in the U.S. expressed concerns, stating that broadcasting an execution live is not only inhumane but could also provoke Islamic extremists.

Axios also pointed out that President Trump has been subtly shifting his stance since Hegseth's remarks came out.

On October 9, the day Hegseth's remarks were made, Trump told reporters at the White House that he was "totally in favor" of the matter, but in an interview released late that night, he stated, "I'm not involved in that decision, but I understand it."

Then, on October 10, while noting that there are pros and cons to broadcasting it live, President Trump showed an attitude of taking control of the situation by stating, "I will make the final decision."

If Hasan's execution is made public as Hegseth previewed, it will be the first time in about 90 years since the 1936 case in Kentucky where a Black man was publicly hanged for the alleged rape of a white woman.

(Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video edited by Kim Na-on | Designed by Lee Su-min | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.