In brief
Donald Trump has reversed his earlier promise to livestream the firing‑squad execution of former Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan, citing widespread criticism. The Pentagon had voted to show the execution on 3 December 2026, but the President now says it will not be broadcast. Families of the 13 victims can still attend in person, and the Army is aligning with the new order. The decision follows condemnation by the United Nations and human‑rights groups, and may avert diplomatic fallout.
President Donald Trump announced he is cancelling the proposed livestream of former Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan’s firing‑squad execution. The decision comes after widespread criticism from U.S. veterans, human‑rights organisations and global leaders.
The Pentagon had earlier said the execution would be shown online on 3 December 2026. The UN called the plan abhorrent and Amnesty International noted that only a handful of countries publicly carry out death sentences.
Trump said the execution will still proceed, but will not be broadcast to the public. He added that families of the 13 victims, who were killed in 2009, could attend in person if they wish “to witness justice.”
Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth initially supported the livestream, but after the backlash the Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the defense secretaries now back the President’s reversal. The commander stated the Army is “aligning fully” with the adjusted order.
Nidal Hasan was convicted in 2013 for the deadliest non‑combat attack on an American base. He is currently a paralyzed detainee, with the execution set to be the first military death penalty in the U.S. since 1964.
Critics argue the decision to livestream would have been a public spectacle that could influence global perceptions of American justice. By pulling the livestream, Trump may have averted a potential diplomatic incident.
As the execution date approaches, pundits debate whether the U.S. will sacrifice transparency for political convenience.
