FORT HOOD, Texas – The acting secretary of the U.S. Army confirmed on Tuesday that the execution of Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, convicted of the 2009 Fort Hood shooting that claimed 13 lives, is scheduled for Dec. 3. The execution will be carried out by firing squad, the method the military last used in 1961.
Presidential approval and procedural steps
President Donald Trump authorized the execution, a decision announced by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell on Monday. Following the President’s approval, acting Secretary Adam Telle posted on social media that the execution will take place at Fort Hood, underscoring the administration’s commitment to enforcing the nation’s toughest penalties for acts of terrorism against our service members.
Background of the case
Maj. Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, entered a medical building on Nov. 5, 2009, shouted “Allahu akbar” and opened fire with a laser‑sighted handgun, killing 13 soldiers and wounding more than 30 others. During his trial, Hasan claimed he acted to stop fellow troops from being deployed to Afghanistan, describing himself as a soldier who had “switched sides.” He offered little defense and was found guilty on all counts.
Legal avenues remain open
Although the execution is set, Hasan retains the right to pursue a habeas corpus appeal in the civilian federal court system. Legal scholars note that such appeals can delay the process for years, as highlighted in a May article from the magazine Army Lawyer. The administration, however, has indicated it will move forward once all procedural requirements are satisfied.
Reactions
Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argue that the death penalty raises constitutional concerns and question the fairness of military tribunals. The ACLU’s statement emphasizes the need for due‑process safeguards, but the Trump administration maintains that the sentence reflects the gravity of Hasan’s crimes and serves justice for the victims’ families.
Family members of the Fort Hood victims have expressed relief that the execution is proceeding, saying it brings a measure of closure after more than a decade of grief.
What this means for the nation
The scheduled execution reaffirms the federal government’s resolve to hold terrorists accountable, reinforcing the principle that those who betray their oath to protect the United States will face the ultimate consequence. It also signals the administration’s willingness to use all lawful tools, including the death penalty, to deter future attacks on our armed forces.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
