EU tech chief declines to comment on possible US livestreamed execution
When asked how the EU would respond if the United States broadcast a firing-squad execution, the bloc’s technology chief refused to answer and the press briefing was ended.
A journalist queried the European Union’s technology chief about the EU’s planned reaction should the United States livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan. The official, identified only as Ms Virkkunen, declined to respond, and a press officer terminated the media session. The execution is scheduled for December 3, and a U.S. official, Mr Hegseth, has said the event will be made publicly viewable.
Why it matters
It shows the EU’s reluctance to discuss policy on a controversial US practice, raising questions about cross-border media standards.
How this story developed
- Oct 1 A grim tally of botched executions from hanging mishaps to lethal-injection failures
- Oct 7 Execution date set for Dec 3.
- Oct 8 Pentagon confirmed the execution will be livestreamed.
- Oct 9 The Pentagon will broadcast the execution of Nidal Hasan, the Fort Hood gunman, before a firing squad as a public lesson.
- Oct 9 British cabinet minister Bridget Phillipson called the US decision to livestream a firing-squad execution of Nidal Hasan "disturbing" and reiterated Britain’s opposition to capital punishment.
- Oct 9 Survivor Alonzo Lunsford voiced support for the execution method while warning that a livestream could be misused.
- Oct 9 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed that the execution will be carried out by firing squad and streamed online.
- Oct 9 Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle confirmed the execution date and firing‑squad method.
- Oct 10 State leaders announced a review of execution methods following the failed lethal injection.
- Oct 11 President Trump said the decision on whether to livestream the execution remains pending.
- Oct 12 Archbishop Timothy Broglio criticized plans to televise a military execution and called on Catholic service members to opt out of any role in it.
- Oct 13 President Trump has signaled hesitation over proceeding with the livestream.
- Oct 13 Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the livestream would not increase security risk.
- Oct 13 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has proposed livestreaming the execution.
In this story
Related stories
19 in this thread