Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed that former Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan will face execution on December 3, following conviction for his 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas. Hasan, who killed 13 people and injured over 30 others, will face a firing squad at the military base.
President Donald Trump has validated the execution order, marking the first execution of a U.S. military prisoner since 1961, using a method last employed during World War II. The attack, linked to Hasan’s extremist Islamic beliefs, occurred during the global ‘War on Terrorism.’ Investigators highlight his communications with Anwar al-Awlaki, an al-Qaeda-associated cleric, and Hasan’s declarations during his trial as evidence of his motives.
Hegseth’s statement came during his Arsenal of Freedom tour, expressing support for the execution method, citing its potential deterrent effect—though plans to livestream the execution were dropped due to backlash. Trump addressed these concerns in a post, stating while he approved the execution, it would not be broadcasted due to public sentiment against observing such events.
Family members of victims retain the right to attend the execution. Resistance to livestreaming came from various sectors, including the brother of a soldier killed at Fort Hood, political figures from both parties, and Vice President JD Vance.
Arsenal of Freedom Tour Insights
Launched in January, Hegseth’s Arsenal of Freedom tour aims to support the nation’s defense industrial base, with visits to states such as Ohio and Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, he engaged with Riverside Machine & Engineering, a key player in defense and aerospace component manufacturing. The Ohio visit included Sierra Nevada Corporation’s facility, focusing on aviation technology advancements.