Trump Cancels Livestream of Fort Hood Shooter's Execution

President Donald Trump has called off plans to livestream the execution of former Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan, who is scheduled to die by firing squad on Dec. 3, 2026, for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, according to BBC News. The reversal follows days of criticism from human rights groups and foreign governments after the Pentagon announced the livestream plan last week.

Why Did Trump Reverse the Livestream Decision?

Trump wrote on Truth Social that "many very good and well meaning people would rather not watch him die," BBC reported. He added: "He will die, as scheduled, by firing squad, but this event will not be streamed." Trump said he still believes a livestream "might have been a strong deterrent for the World to witness how America deals with Terrorists and SCUM like Hasan," per the outlet.

The president said victims' families may still view the execution in person, telling BBC "they deserve to witness JUSTICE!"

What Was the Pentagon's Original Plan?

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had defended airing the execution online, saying "people need to understand that there's serious consequences for these types of things," according to BBC. Vice-President JD Vance had cast doubt on whether the stream would happen and said he personally would not watch it, the outlet reported. After Trump's reversal, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth "supports the President's decision, and they are completely aligned," BBC reported.

What Happened at Fort Hood in 2009?

Hasan fatally shot 13 unarmed U.S. military personnel and injured 32 others at the Texas base in 2009, BBC reported. His December execution will be the first U.S. military execution in more than 60 years. Attorney John Galligan, who has worked on civil matters for Hasan, told BBC the cancellation "comes as no surprise," calling the original livestream plan "a dumb decision and statement by Hegseth" that "violated the Army's own regulation." Galligan also said Hasan is paralyzed from the chest down — a detail Trump "allegedly didn't even know" when he first approved the stream, according to Galligan's account to BBC.

How Common Are Public Executions Worldwide?

By the numbers, per Amnesty International data cited by BBC:

• More than 2,700 executions were carried out across 17 countries last year.
• Only two countries conducted any of those executions publicly.
• Iran carried out 11 known public executions in 2025; Afghanistan carried out six.

The United Nations called the Pentagon's original livestream plan "abhorrent," BBC reported.

What Happens Next?

Hasan's execution remains scheduled for Dec. 3, 2026, without a public or livestreamed broadcast. Victims' families retain the option to attend in person, Trump said. The Pentagon has not released additional details on in-person attendance procedures or site logistics beyond Trump's statement, according to BBC's reporting.

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