US President Donald Trump has abandoned plans to livestream the execution of former US Army psychiatrist Nidal Malik Hasan, following widespread criticism of the proposal from politicians, military figures and members of the public.
Trump announced the decision on Thursday, 15 October 2026, confirming that Hasan’s scheduled execution by firing squad would proceed without a live broadcast.
The controversy began after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the execution would be made available for public viewing, arguing that it would demonstrate the consequences of serious crimes.
Hasan was convicted of killing 13 people and injuring 32 others during a shooting at Fort Hood, a US Army installation in Texas, in November 2009.
The former military psychiatrist is scheduled to be executed on 3 December 2026 at the same military base where the attack occurred.
In explaining his decision, Trump acknowledged that while broadcasting the execution might serve as a deterrent, many people were uncomfortable with watching someone die.
He maintained that the execution would take place as scheduled but confirmed that it would not be streamed. Immediate family members of the victims would still have the option of witnessing it in person.
The proposal had attracted criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, with opponents arguing that broadcasting an execution could turn the administration of justice into a public spectacle.
US Vice President JD Vance had also expressed reservations, saying he would not watch the broadcast if it went ahead. Some survivors of the 2009 shooting similarly questioned whether televising the execution was appropriate.
Hasan’s case has renewed debate over capital punishment, military justice and the limits of public access to executions.
His execution, if carried out as scheduled, would be the first US military execution since 1961 and the first by firing squad since 1945.
