Trump Cancels Livestream of Fort Hood Shooter’s Execution

US President Donald Trump has cancelled plans to livestream the execution of former army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan, who killed 13 people at Fort Hood in Texas in 2009. Hasan is still scheduled to be executed by firing squad on December 3, 2026.

Trump Reverses Livestream Decision

Trump said the execution would proceed as planned but would not be broadcast online, following widespread criticism in the United States and internationally. He acknowledged that many people did not want to watch Hasan die, although he had previously argued that streaming the execution could deter terrorism.

The president added that families of the victims would still be allowed to witness the execution in person if they wished.

Plans Spark International Outrage

The Pentagon announced the planned livestream last week, prompting condemnation from human rights organisations and others. The United Nations described the proposal as “abhorrent”.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had defended the idea, arguing that the public needed to understand the consequences of such attacks. Vice-President JD Vance had also questioned whether the broadcast would take place and said he would not watch it.

Pentagon Backs Trump’s Decision

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth had spoken with Trump before the announcement and supported the president’s decision. The administration has now abandoned the livestream plan following the backlash.

John Galligan, a lawyer representing Hasan in civil matters, said the reversal was unsurprising. He criticised the original proposal, arguing that broadcasting an execution would violate Army regulations and damage the military justice system’s reputation.

Galligan also said Hasan was paralysed from the chest down and questioned whether Trump had been aware of his condition when he initially supported the livestream.

Deadly 2009 Fort Hood Attack

Hasan opened fire inside a crowded medical building at the Texas military base on November 5, 2009, killing 13 unarmed military personnel and injuring 32 others. The victims had been at the facility for medical checks and vaccinations before deployment.

During his 2013 court-martial, Hasan admitted to being the gunman and apologised for what he described as “any mistakes”. He said he believed he was protecting Muslims and the Taliban in Afghanistan from the US military.

The attack remains the deadliest non-combat shooting at an American military base.

Military Execution Requires Approval

Hasan’s planned execution would be the first US military execution in more than 60 years. Under military law, an execution requires presidential approval and appellate review before it can proceed.