The Pentagon has announced plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, an Army psychiatrist who murdered 13 Americans and wounded 32 others on November 5, 2009, shouting “Alahu Akbar” during his attack at Fort Hood.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the punishment would be “public” and broadcast globally. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated the Federal Communications Commission lacks authority to prohibit such a broadcast.
A 2011 Senate report found Hasan was an open jihadist whose radicalization was evident to military superiors, including being referred to as a “ticking time bomb.” The committee concluded no disciplinary action was taken despite clear evidence of his violent extremism.
Hasan, now paraplegic and close to 60 years old, will be executed by firing squad on December 3 at Fort Hood. This marks the last U.S. military execution by firing squad since Private Eddie Slovik in January 1945.
Vice President JD Vance indicated he would not watch if the execution were livestreamed, stating, “I don’t know that that’s going to happen.” He described Hasan’s attack as “the worst terrorist attack on American soil outside of 9/11.”
The Pentagon confirmed no major television networks have committed to broadcasting the feed, though the stream could be picked up by broadcasters if not restricted.