Trump Cancels Planned Livestream of Fort Hood Shooter's Execution

President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform on Thursday to announce that the execution of former U.S. Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan will proceed as scheduled on Dec. 3, 2026, but will not be livestreamed. Hasan, convicted for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting that left 13 dead, is set to be killed by firing squad – the first U.S. military execution by this method since 1945.

In his post, Trump said the decision to cancel the broadcast came after hearing from many well‑meaning individuals who preferred not to watch the execution. He reiterated that the execution will still occur, and that the immediate families of the victims may attend in person if they wish. While Trump noted that a livestream might have served as a deterrent to terrorism, he emphasized that the public would not be shown the event.

The livestream proposal had been advanced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who earlier indicated that the execution would be made publicly viewable via online platforms. The plan sparked extensive opposition domestically and internationally. Critics included members of both major U.S. parties, the Catholic Church, various human‑rights organisations, and the United Nations, all of whom argued that broadcasting a state‑sanctioned killing would be ethically problematic.

Trump also used the announcement to criticize the previous administration, claiming that former President Barack Obama’s team failed to act on intelligence concerning Hasan before the Fort Hood attack. He referenced FBI‑intercepted communications between Hasan and the late Yemeni‑American cleric Anwar al‑Awlaki, noting that investigators concluded those messages did not constitute a direct threat.

The cancellation is viewed as a setback for Hegseth, who is already facing scrutiny over other foreign‑policy issues, including the stalled Iran conflict. Analysts suggest the move may have political implications ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, as the administration seeks to balance security concerns with public sentiment.

Hasan’s execution remains scheduled for Dec. 3 at Fort Hood, Texas, where he carried out the 2009 attack. The decision not to livestream the event marks a reversal of the earlier stance that the broadcast could serve as a global deterrent, reflecting the weight of the widespread condemnation.

The White House has not indicated any further changes to the execution protocol, and the families of the victims are expected to be notified of the arrangements for in‑person attendance.