Trump calls off livestream of Fort Hood attacker's execution by firing squad

Key points

• Trump canceled the livestream of Nidal Hasan's firing squad execution after widespread criticism.
• Hasan killed 13 soldiers at Fort Hood in 2009 and will be executed on 3 December 2026.
• The execution will be the first US military execution in over 60 years.

US President Donald Trump has called off plans to livestream the execution of former US army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan by firing squad. The decision followed widespread criticism in the US and globally.

Trump had previously said he approved of showing the death of the Fort Hood attacker. Vice-President JD Vance had cast doubt on whether it would happen and said he would not watch it.

Trump explains cancellation

On Thursday, Trump said that "many very good and well meaning people would rather not watch him die". He added: "He will die, as scheduled, by firing squad, but this event will not be streamed."

Trump also said the families of the victims can still view the execution in person if they wish.

many very good and well meaning people would rather not watch him die

— Donald Trump

Background and criticism

Hasan fatally shot 13 unarmed US soldiers at a military base in Texas in 2009, injuring another 32. His execution by firing squad will be the first military execution in more than 60 years.

After the Pentagon announced last week that it would execute Hasan on 3 December 2026 by firing squad and livestream the event, criticism came from human rights groups and many others. The United Nations called the plans "abhorrent".

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the decision to air the execution online, saying that "people need to understand that there's serious consequences for these types of things". But as criticism mounted, Trump appeared to hedge his support, saying on Friday that he "absolutely" approved of the livestream plan, but adding that the Pentagon was still "making a determination" on it.