The execution of Nidal Hasan, the former Army major sentenced to death for the 2009 massacre at Fort Hood, Texas, will be broadcast live, according to Pentagon officials on Thursday, October 8, as reported by The Associated Press. This unprecedented step leaves several questions open about how it will be carried out and who will be able to view it.
Why it matters: Military Times described the broadcast of an execution as «unprecedented.» The decision affects the survivors and families of the 13 people killed and opens a legal and ethical debate about the death penalty in the military system.
This article expands on our October 8 coverage with the Army's official confirmation, the case's judicial history, and the steps remaining before December 3.
President Donald Trump approved the death sentence on Friday, October 2, after the appeals process concluded, according to an Army statement. In the military system, only the president can approve the execution of a prisoner. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced the decision on Monday, October 5, and said Trump acted on the recommendation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
On Tuesday, October 6, interim Army Secretary Adam Telle ordered the execution to be carried out by firing squad at Fort Hood, the same location as the attack.
In an interview with the conservative channel Real America's Voice, Hegseth said: «We will ensure that people can see it, that it is public. Because people need to understand that there are severe consequences for this type of thing,» according to AP and Military Times. When asked if Hasan had made any final requests, he replied: «I don't care. We'll see on December 3.» The White House referred questions to the Pentagon.
On November 5, 2009, Hasan, then an Army psychiatrist, opened fire at a soldier processing center in Fort Hood. He killed 13 people and injured 32. In 2013, a military court found him guilty of 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted murder, and sentenced him to death. Hasan waived his right to an attorney, represented himself, and did not present a defense.
According to CBS Texas, before the announcement, families received an email asking if they wanted to attend or watch the execution online. Many survivors said they plan to be there. Keara Torkelson, an Army Reserve veteran who was shot twice that day, said she wants to accompany other survivors but does not want to witness the execution: «I don't feel like I want to see more death.»
The last military execution was that of soldier John Bennett, who was hanged at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, on April 13, 1961.
Sources: US Army; AP; Military Times; NPR; CBS Texas; KWTX; KXXV; Supreme Court, case 24-5225; EFE. Data consulted on October 9, 2026.
