Trump calls off livestream of execution

Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that the plan to livestream the execution of former U.S. Army major Nidal Hasan has been cancelled. In his post, he said that while broadcasting the execution might have served as a strong deterrent, many well‑meaning people would prefer not to watch the death of the convicted shooter.

The execution, scheduled to be carried out by firing squad, will proceed as planned. Hasan was convicted for the 2009 attack at Fort Hood, Texas, in which 13 people were killed. This will be the first U.S. military execution in six decades.

Earlier, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had announced that the execution would be streamed live, a move that would have marked the first public execution in the United States since the 1930s. The proposed broadcast generated considerable public discussion about its purpose and impact.

Trump’s statement clarified that the livestream will not occur, citing concerns that many individuals would find the visual depiction of the execution distressing. He emphasized that the decision reflects respect for those who would otherwise be forced to witness the event.

The execution will still be carried out on the scheduled date, and immediate families of the victims have the option to view the proceedings in person if they choose.