Trump Cancels Livestream of Nidal Hasan's Execution

President Donald Trump has announced the cancellation of plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, a former US Army psychiatrist who killed 13 people and wounded 32 others during a shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, in November 2009. The execution is scheduled for December 3, 2026, and will be carried out by firing squad.

Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, stating that many people would prefer not to witness the execution despite his initial belief that a livestream could deter terrorism. He emphasized that victims' families would still have the option to attend the execution in person, asserting they "deserve to witness JUSTICE!" The Pentagon had previously announced the livestream plan, which faced backlash from human rights advocates, with the United Nations calling it "abhorrent." US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the proposal, while Vice-President JD Vance expressed uncertainty about the broadcast.

Amnesty International noted that public executions are rare globally.