Washington:US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's proposal to livestream the firing squad execution of former army major Nidal Hasan has sparked controversy across the political spectrum. Critics argue that such an act could undermine American values and potentially aid extremist propaganda.
According to Anadolu Agency, Nidal Hasan, who was sentenced to death for killing 13 people and wounding 32 others in 2009 at Fort Hood, Texas, is scheduled to be executed by firing squad on December 3 at the same army base. Hasan, a former army psychiatrist, was convicted in 2013 and has since been held at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The Pentagon announced that President Donald Trump approved the recommendation.
The proposal has drawn criticism from various political figures. Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, expressed his disapproval on social media, stating that while Hasan should face the death penalty, making the execution public is "beyond disgusting" and likened public executions to practices in oppressive regimes like Iran and Afghanistan.
Joe Kent, the former National Counterterrorism Center director, warned that livestreaming the execution could aid extremist groups by providing propaganda material, which could be used for radicalization and recruitment.
Democratic leaders echoed these concerns. Rep. Adam Smith, leader of the House Armed Services Committee Democrats, stated that a public execution would undermine the legal system. Sen. Patty Murray called for the Pentagon to reconsider, emphasizing that justice can be served without glorifying violence. Sen. Ruben Gallego criticized the proposal, asserting that justice for victims does not require creating what he termed a "snuff film."