Trump endorses firing-squad execution of Fort Hood mass shooter
President Donald Trump praised the Department of War’s plan to kill the Fort Hood attacker by firing squad, while Vice President JD Vance said he will not watch the planned livestream.
Donald Trump expressed support for the Department of War’s decision to carry out a firing-squad execution of the Fort Hood shooter, describing the death penalty as deserved. The execution is scheduled to be broadcast live on December 3. Vice President JD Vance clarified that he will not view the Pentagon’s livestream of the event. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the broadcast plan, sparking public debate.
Why it matters
The endorsement highlights a controversial use of capital punishment and raises questions about broadcasting state executions.
How this story developed
- Oct 1 A grim tally of botched executions from hanging mishaps to lethal-injection failures
- Oct 5 President Donald Trump has approved a firing squad execution for former Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan, the 2009 Fort Hood mass shooter.
- Oct 6 Pentagon announced the execution will be carried out by firing squad.
- Oct 7 Execution date set for Dec 3.
- Oct 8 Pentagon confirmed the execution will be livestreamed.
- 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.
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