Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Pentagon Plans Livestream of Hasan’s Fort Hood Firing-Squad Execution
The Pentagon says Nidal Malik Hasan is scheduled to be executed by firing squad on December 3, 2026.
Officials say the execution at Fort Hood will be livestreamed, but they have not given all the details.
Hasan was an Army psychiatrist who shot people at the base in 2009.
Thirteen people were killed, and reports give different numbers for those wounded.
A military jury sentenced him to death in 2013, and President Donald Trump approved the sentence.
Hasan may still be able to ask a civilian court to review his case, which could delay the execution.
Some experts say a livestream could help people see how executions happen.
Others question the plan’s legality, purpose, and effect on Hasan’s dignity.
The Army says it followed its rules when notifying him and has not stopped him from contacting a lawyer.
The Pentagon says Nidal Malik Hasan’s firing-squad execution is scheduled for December 3, 2026, at Fort Hood and will be livestreamed, with further details pending.
Hasan, a former Army psychiatrist and major, was sentenced to death in 2013 for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, which killed 13 people; reports differ on whether 30 or 32 were wounded.
President Donald Trump approved the execution on the Pentagon’s recommendation; Hasan may still seek review in federal civilian court, which could delay it.
The execution would be the first US military execution since 1961 and the first US military firing-squad execution since 1945.
Experts disagree about the broadcast’s value and implications, while legal commentators note that military rules differ from federal rules on recording executions.
- Who
- Nidal Malik Hasan, a former Army psychiatrist and major, is scheduled for execution; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that it would be public.
- What
- A firing-squad execution that the Pentagon says will be livestreamed.
- When
- December 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. local time, according to the reports.
- Where
- Fort Hood, Texas, also known as Fort Cavazos.
- Why
- Hasan was sentenced to death after a military jury convicted him for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting.
Arguments for transparency
Concerns about broadcast and process
Livestreaming the execution
Arguments for transparency
Death-penalty expert Deborah Denno said a livestream could make executions more transparent and inform the public about capital punishment.
Concerns about broadcast and process
Other experts questioned the unprecedented government-initiated broadcast, raising concerns about legality, dignity, spectacle, and the government’s motives.
Firing-squad method
Arguments for transparency
Brenner Fissell said firing squads can be quicker, cleaner, and more precise than lethal injection.
Concerns about broadcast and process
Fissell also said practical considerations might not explain the choice, suggesting the method’s perceived masculinity and military character could be part of its appeal.
Notification and access to counsel
Arguments for transparency
An Army spokeswoman said officials made reasonable efforts to contact defense attorneys, followed policy, and have not prevented Hasan from communicating with counsel.
Concerns about broadcast and process
Attorney John Galligan said Hasan told him no attorney was present when he was notified and called that a breach of Army regulations; Galligan also expressed concern about Hasan’s health and legal access.
- Scheduled date and time
- December 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. local time, according to reports.
- Planned location
- Fort Hood, Texas, also known as Fort Cavazos.
- Planned method
- Firing squad made up of soldiers.
- Broadcast
- The Pentagon confirmed the execution will be livestreamed; details are pending.
- 2009 shooting
- Thirteen people were killed; sources report either 30 or 32 wounded.
- Sentence and approval
- A military jury sentenced Hasan to death in 2013; President Donald Trump approved the execution.
- Execution history
- The last US military execution was in 1961; the last US military firing-squad execution was in 1945.
- Possible court review
- Hasan can still challenge his conviction or sentence in federal civilian court, which could delay the execution.
Sources
Is it legal for the US to livestream the Fort Hood shooter’s execution?
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