The Pentagon confirmed that President Donald Trump has approved the execution of former Army major Nidal Hasan, the convicted gunman responsible for the 2009 Fort Hood mass shooting. The method ordered is a U.S. Army firing squad, a rare but legally sanctioned form of capital punishment.
Administration Decision
Sean Parnell, assistant to the Secretary of Defense for public affairs, posted on X that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recommended “death by U.S. Army firing squad” for Hasan and that President Trump approved the recommendation. Parnell added that the Secretary of the Army will set the time and place for the execution, ensuring the process follows established military protocol.
Legal and Historical Context
Hasan was convicted of 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder for the November 5, 2009, attack that left 13 service members dead and many others wounded. A military jury unanimously sentenced him to death. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, any military death sentence requires personal approval from the President before an execution can proceed.
If carried out, Hasan’s execution would be the first by the U.S. military since Army Private John A. Bennett was hanged at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in April 1961—more than 65 years ago.
Firing‑Squad Use in Modern America
While firing squads are rarely employed in contemporary U.S. executions, their use has recently expanded. An April 2026 Justice Department report noted that five states currently allow firing squads as a method of execution and recommended that the federal execution protocol include firing squads alongside other alternatives to lethal injection. The report also referenced the Supreme Court’s 1878 decision upholding firing‑squad executions against an Eighth Amendment challenge.
It is important to note that Hasan’s case falls under the military justice system, which operates separately from the civilian federal death‑penalty system discussed in the DOJ report.
Administration Rationale
President Trump’s approval reflects the administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and delivering justice for the victims of one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. service members. By endorsing the firing‑squad method, the administration signals support for lawful, constitutionally permissible execution methods while respecting the long‑standing authority of the military justice system.
What Comes Next
The Secretary of the Army will now determine the specific time and location for the execution. The decision underscores the Trump administration’s resolve to enforce accountability for acts of terrorism against American troops and to maintain the integrity of military discipline.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
