WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has scrapped plans to livestream the execution of convicted military base shooter Nidal Hasan following widespread opposition from politicians, religious leaders, human rights groups and the United Nations.
Hasan’s execution will proceed as scheduled on December 3 by firing squad, Trump said on Thursday, but it will not be streamed online.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he had considered livestreaming the execution a potential deterrent against terrorism, arguing that it could demonstrate how the United States deals with those convicted of such crimes.
However, he acknowledged that many people opposed broadcasting the execution, saying that the event could still be witnessed in person by the victims’ immediate family members if they wished.
The proposed livestream had triggered criticism from both Democratic and Republican politicians, the Catholic Church, rights groups and the United Nations, with opponents raising concerns over the public broadcasting of an execution.
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The decision represents a setback for Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who had championed the proposal. Last week, Hegseth said arrangements would allow the public to watch the execution, later confirming the plan included a livestream.
Hasan was convicted of killing 13 people in a shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009. His execution is scheduled to take place at the same military installation and would mark the first execution by a US military firing squad since 1945.
The decision comes as Hegseth faces mounting scrutiny over the stalemated war with Iran and its repercussions, which are also weighing on the Republican Party ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
