President Donald Trump on Friday cast doubt on whether the execution of former Army Maj. Nidal Hasan will be broadcast live, creating confusion after the Pentagon had previously announced plans for a public stream.
Talking to reporters shortly before departing Washington for a campaign rally in Syracuse, New York, Trump suggested the decision was still being finalized. “Well, they’re making a determination about that, but he will be killed, it will be through firing squad,” Trump said.
The president also highlighted the severity of Hasan’s crimes in justifying the punishment. “He killed 13…,” Trump began, referencing the 2009 Fort Hood shooting that claimed the lives of 13 service members and injured more than 30 others.
The mixed messaging comes amid fierce bipartisan backlash against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s initial proposal to livestream the capital punishment. Critics, including Senator Lisa Murkowski, have condemned the idea, with Murkowski stating she would expect such an act from “terrorists and dictators” rather than the United States government.
While the Pentagon initially confirmed the livestream plan, Trump’s latest comments indicate the administration may be reconsidering the approach ahead of the scheduled execution.
Leave a Reply