Archbishop condemns firing squad execution plan for convicted Nidal Hasan

Convicted killer Nidal Hasan faces execution by firing squad on Dec. 3 following his military court sentencing. Archbishop Timothy Broglio condemned the scheduled lethal event and opposed plans to livestream the death.

Broglio oversees pastoral care for Catholics serving across the military. The archbishop released an official statement Monday.

Catholic soldiers picked for the U.S. Army firing squad should request an excuse, Broglio said. He described the duty as contrary to church teachings. Other Catholic leaders also oppose the death penalty.

Hasan worked as an Army psychiatrist. A court convicted him of killing 13 people during a 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood in Texas.

Broglio noted his personal connection to the Fort Hood attack. He presided over the funeral of Michael Grant Cahill. Cahill was the sole civilian victim killed during that shooting.

The archbishop questioned the purpose of public broadcasts during executions.

“The US military generally enjoys a good reputation in the world,” Broglio added. “Is there really a value to throwing them in the same boat with terrorists by broadcasting the image of the execution of a man in a wheelchair to the whole world?”

Broglio called the crime heinous. He questioned any public benefit from broadcasting the death.

The Archdiocese for the Military Services provides pastoral ministries to Catholic personnel. Military executions follow specific administrative regulations set by armed forces leadership. Capital sentences require final executive confirmation before dates proceed at Fort Hood.

Hasan remains held under military custody pending the scheduled December execution date.