During a Sunday morning appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin addressed several pressing issues, including the agency’s enforcement tactics following a high-profile incident in New York City and the planned execution of convicted murderer Nidal Hasan.
Mullin spoke with host Margaret Brennan about the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias, which struck the previous Friday night and resulted in four fatalities. The Secretary emphasized that President Trump has been actively involved from the outset, with FEMA Director Cam Hamilton coordinating the prepositioning of assets across affected states. Mullin reported that conversations with governors indicated strong regional cooperation, noting that emergency responders are working closely to restore power and manage recovery efforts.
The discussion shifted to law enforcement when Brennan raised concerns about a recent ICE-involved shooting in New York City. The incident involved Oscar, a man with an extensive criminal record, who was approached by officers. NYPD security footage showed a civilian-clad officer approaching a vehicle and punching the window. Mullin detailed Oscar’s background, citing four felony robbery charges, felony assault, larceny, weapons possession, and gang affiliations linked to a Customs and Border Protection officer shot the previous year. He argued that the subject was armed, dangerous, and had previously evaded capture, necessitating the officers’ actions.
Brennan pressed Mullin on when body camera footage would be released and how officers failed to notice a five-year-old child in the vehicle. The Secretary stated that the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations are conducting the investigation and will release all information upon completion. Regarding the child, Mullin explained that while authorities were aware of Oscar’s patterns, they did not know the child was present. He characterized Oscar’s decision to flee with the child as an act of selfishness that placed the minor in danger.
The conversation also touched on the upcoming execution of Nidal Hasan, who killed 13 service members at Fort Hood in 2009. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to livestream the firing squad execution. Brennan asked Mullin if this strategy risked creating a martyr for terrorist causes, a concern echoed by Republican senators Lisa Murkowski and Kevin Cramer. Mullin dismissed the risk, stating that no one is required to watch the broadcast and expressing strong support for President Trump’s leadership and direct approach to restoring American values. He affirmed that the department weighs risks daily but sees no elevated threat from the execution method.
https://prod.vodvideo.cbsnews.com/cbsnews/vr/hls/4886200_hls/master.m3u8
Mullin’s focus on the subject’s criminal record is standard, but the lack of body cam footage transparency is really concerning for accountability.
Livestreaming an execution feels like a power move more than justice. Isn’t there a risk it plays right into their propaganda machine?
I just want to know why a five-year-old was in the car during an ICE raid. That seems like a critical failure in planning or intelligence.