US Vice-President JD Vance has raised doubts about the Pentagon’s intention to broadcast the execution of former Army Major Nidal Hasan via live stream. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Vance stated that he was uncertain whether the plan would actually go forward.
“I don’t know that that’s actually going to happen,” Vance said regarding the proposed broadcast. He also confirmed that he would not view the proceedings if they were streamed publicly, adding, “If it’s through live stream, I’m not going to be watching it.”
The comments follow an announcement earlier this week by the Pentagon that Hasan, convicted for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, would be executed by firing squad. On Thursday, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed the execution would be made available for public viewing, asserting that “people need to understand that there’s serious consequences for these types of things.” The BBC has requested comment from the White House on whether President Donald Trump supports the decision.
Vance described Hasan’s actions as “the worst terrorist attack on American soil outside of 9/11.” Hasan fatally shot 13 unarmed soldiers and wounded 32 others in 2009, while working in a position intended to treat fellow troops for mental health issues. His execution would mark the first US military execution by firing squad in over six decades.
The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Republican Senator John Curtis invoked historical precedents, warning that public spectacles of execution can erode civilization by cultivating a taste for violence as entertainment. “The victims deserve justice administered with solemnity. Broadcasting a death diminishes us and is not an effective deterrent,” Curtis said, urging Hegseth to reconsider.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy condemned the plan as “disgusting,” comparing the imagery to executions carried out by the Islamic State group. Meanwhile, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed “shock and great sorrow” over the decision.
Internationally, the UN human rights office told AFP that livestreaming the execution would constitute a breach of the absolute prohibition against torture, effectively rendering it a public execution.
Does anyone actually think watching an execution deters future atrocities? Sounds more like political theater than policy.
Senator Curtis makes a compelling point about solemnity versus spectacle. Are we really turning this into entertainment?
I’m surprised Vance is actually questioning the Pentagon’s commitment here. Seems like a rare moment of hesitation.