President Donald Trump told reporters Saturday that he has not yet made a final decision on whether to livestream the execution of former Army Major Nidal Hasan, the man who killed 13 people and wounded more than 20 at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009. Trump said the choice hinges on two considerations: “don’t show it and show it. Cause you know, by showing it, maybe other people won’t be doing what he did.” He added that he will ultimately decide after consulting with the military.
Administration rationale
The Trump administration argues that a public broadcast could serve a deterrent purpose, discouraging would‑be extremists from emulating the 2009 attack. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a Republican, announced that the execution will be carried out by firing squad in December and indicated that a livestream is being prepared. The administration frames the decision as a matter of accountability and public safety, consistent with its commitment to protecting families and upholding the rule of law.
Republican response
Republican lawmakers are divided. Rep. Austin Scott (R‑GA) posted on X, “I absolutely support the sentence of death, but live‑streaming executions is what jihadists do. America is better than that,” highlighting concerns that a broadcast could turn a solemn act of justice into a propaganda tool. Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R‑PA) wrote, “An execution shouldn’t be a live‑streamed spectacle. The focus should be on justice for the victims and their families, not turning an execution into entertainment.” Rep. Tom Barrett (R‑MI) urged Secretary Hegseth to reconsider.
Other Republicans expressed support for the livestream plan. Rep. Matt Van Epps (R‑TN) told NBC News, “Parents should not let their kids watch that. Just like they should have good parental guidance for social media and other things. This administration is focused on accountability.” Pastor Robert Jeffress, senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas and a longtime Trump ally, reposted a Dallas Morning News article on Truth Social endorsing the plan, emphasizing the need for decisive action against violent extremism.
Vice President’s position
Vice President JD Vance said Friday that he was unsure whether the federal government would proceed with a livestream and, if it did, he would not watch the event. His comments reflect a cautious approach within the administration, balancing transparency with respect for the victims’ families.
Context and next steps
Hasan was sentenced to death in 2013 and is scheduled for execution by firing squad in December, a rare method reserved for military personnel. The decision on livestreaming will likely be announced in the coming days, after further consultation with the Department of Defense and senior White House officials. The administration maintains that any action taken will prioritize the safety of the nation while honoring the memory of the Fort Hood victims.
Critics, including civil‑rights groups and some law‑enforcement officials, warn that broadcasting an execution could create a martyr narrative for extremist sympathizers. The debate underscores the broader tension between transparency, deterrence, and the dignity of victims’ families—a tension the Trump administration says it is prepared to navigate responsibly.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
