Convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan execution livestream decision weighs on Trump

Nidal Hasan faces execution by firing squad as leaders reconsider broadcasting his death from Fort Hood. President Donald Trump said he will make the final choice after facing political pushback.

Trump spoke to reporters on the White House South Lawn on Saturday. The president addressed public questions about broadcasting the death sentence.

“He’s a vicious killer, killed 13 people in cold blood, wounded over 20. Some of those people will never have their lives back in a true sense,” Trump told reporters. “He was vicious. He was violent.”

He noted people hold conflicting views on whether to show the event. Trump stated he knows military preferences but will decide himself.

On Friday, Trump said officials were deciding the broadcast issue. He stated the condemned man will die by firing squad regardless of that choice.

“So, I really don’t care how he goes, as long as he goes, and I think that the death penalty is a very worthy way of going for him,” Trump stated.

A White House spokesperson confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recommended the broadcast earlier this week. The spokesperson said Trump approved the Dec. 3 plan at that time.

Hasan served as an Army psychiatrist before the shooting. He opened fire at the Fort Hood processing center in November 2009.

The attack killed 12 soldiers and one civilian. Hasan injured 32 others on the installation.

The gunman represented himself at trial. Hasan spoke during opening statements.

“evidence will clearly show that I am the shooter”

Hasan stated he acted because of American wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A military court convicted him in 2013.

Vice President J.D. Vance spoke to reporters on Friday about the plan. He stated he will not watch any broadcast. Vance added he does not know if it will happen.

The proposal drew criticism from both major political parties. A December date would mark the first military capital punishment carried out in 60 years.

Military installations maintain strict protocols for capital punishment cases under federal law. The uniform code guides how armed forces carry out approved court sentences. Fort Hood operates as a major base that processes active personnel.

Trump said both viewpoints remain under review.