US military to execute Nidal Hasan by firing squad

The United States military has announced plans to execute Nidal Hasan, a former Army psychiatrist, by firing squad on December 3 at Fort Hood. Hasan was convicted for the 2009 shooting at the base that killed 13 people and wounded dozens. If carried out, this would mark the first military execution since 1961 and the first use of a firing squad in the U.S. military since World War II.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has proposed broadcasting the execution live, a move approved by President Donald Trump. Hegseth argues that a public broadcast would demonstrate the consequences of severe crimes. However, the proposal has drawn significant criticism. Religious leaders, including officials from the Vatican and the Catholic Church, have opposed the execution on the grounds that the death penalty violates human dignity.

Critics also warn that a live broadcast could inadvertently serve Hasan’s extremist ambitions by turning his death into a propaganda spectacle for radicals. Hasan, who remains paralyzed from the incident during his arrest, previously stated his actions were retaliation for the war in Afghanistan.