US to livestream firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter
Friday 9 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 5 reports · updated In this story Donald Trump, Pentagon
The Pentagon has confirmed that the firing squad execution of Nidal Hasan will be public and livestreamed. Hasan, a former Army psychiatrist, is scheduled to be executed on 3 December at Fort Hood, Texas. The plan has faced condemnation from US lawmakers and the United Nations.
Key facts
5 facts
- Nidal Hasan is scheduled for execution on 3 December at Fort Hood, Texas
- Hasan was convicted in 2013 for a 2009 shooting that killed 13 people
- The execution was approved by President Donald Trump
- The execution will be carried out by firing squad
- Hasan was a former Army psychiatrist and major
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
The Pentagon has confirmed that the firing squad execution of Nidal Hasan will be livestreamed. The execution is scheduled for 3 December at Fort Hood, Texas, where Hasan killed 13 people in a 2009 shooting. This event would be the first US military execution by firing squad since 1945, though some reports state the last military execution was in 1961.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the execution will be public, stating, "We’ll make sure that people are able to watch it, that it’s public". Hegseth added that the decision to execute Hasan at the time and location of the original shooting was a "no-brainer". The execution has been approved by President Donald Trump.
The plan has faced widespread condemnation from international and domestic figures. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that livestreaming an execution is "tantamount to a public execution and would breach the absolute prohibition of torture". US Senator Jack Reed described the move as "a barbaric spectacle".
In New Zealand, the Classification Office stated it cannot classify a livestream while it is taking place. International relations expert Al Gillespie warned that a live broadcast could turn the execution into an international event and described it as "entertainment" rather than justice.
How it developed
- Sat 10 Oct, 6:49amThe UN and various US lawmakers have condemned the plan, with the UN stating the livestream would breach the prohibition of torture.
Where reports differ
- Reports differ on the date of the last US military execution, with one citing 1945 and another citing 1961
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, Otago Daily Times and 1News.