The key facts

  • Retired generals ask to cancel the broadcast of Nidal Hasan's execution, considering it a humiliation of human dignity and a disgrace to the armed forces
  • Hasan in 2009 shot fellow servicemen at Fort Hood base: 13 killed, more than 30 wounded; sentenced to death in 2013
  • The execution is scheduled for December 3, 2026; Trump allowed the broadcast, but according to CBS News, has not made a final decision

Retired Generals Against Broadcast of Execution

A group of retired American generals sent an appeal asking to cancel the live broadcast of the execution of former military psychiatrist Nidal Hasan. "We ask the president, our representatives in Congress, and fellow citizens to take action to prevent this monstrous abuse of power," the letter says. The authors emphasize that they are not against the death penalty as such, but believe that its broadcast turns into "a spectacle to satisfy the interest of idle onlookers." In their view, the execution should be "a solemn and serious punishment," and a public broadcast "degrades human dignity and disgraces the armed forces."

Concerns of the Letter's Authors

The authors of the appeal believe that the country's enemies will in the future use the broadcast to incite hatred and harm American soldiers and civilians. In addition, in their opinion, it will turn Hasan into a martyr for killing his fellow servicemen.

Circumstances of the Case

In November 2009, Nidal Hasan opened fire on fellow servicemen at Fort Hood base — this happened at a medical center where servicemen were waiting for a medical examination. As a result, 13 people were killed and more than 30 were wounded. In 2013, a military tribunal sentenced him to death. During the trial, Hasan refused lawyers and explained his actions as an attempt to protect Muslims and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Execution Plans and Trump's Position

According to the Pentagon, the execution will take place on December 3, 2026, and will be shown live. The last public execution on US territory was carried out in 1936 in the state of Kentucky. Donald Trump gave permission for the broadcast and also supported shooting as a method of execution — a measure proposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. At the same time, according to CBS News citing sources, some representatives of the Trump administration are now leaning toward abandoning the broadcast. According to the TV channel, although Trump openly supported the broadcast of the execution, he has not yet made a final decision.