US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the execution of the Fort Hood gunman would not be livestreamed, but that the immediate families of the victims could view it in person if they want.
According to multiple officials, Trump was not initially aware that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would be announcing the livestream of the execution, and polled several advisers and allies on how he should proceed.
“There are two thoughts: Don’t show it and show it," Trump told reporters over the weekend. "Because, you know, by showing it, maybe other people won’t be doing what he did. So, I’ll ultimately make the decision. I know what the military would like to do, but we’ll make a decision.”
"I think streaming the execution for all to see might have been a strong deterrent for the World to witness how America deals with Terrorists and SCUM like Hasan, but many very good and well-meaning people would rather not watch him die, through streaming, or through any other visual device," Trump wrote.
"He will die, as scheduled, by firing squad, but this event will not be streamed. That said, the execution may be viewed in person by the immediate families of the victims, if they so choose. They deserve to witness JUSTICE!"
Republicans, religious leaders voice opposition to livestreamed execution
Some of Trump's fellow Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance, as well as religious leaders and international observers, had expressed doubts about the Pentagon's plan to livestream the December 3 execution of Nidal Hasan. Recent polls have also shown a majority of Americans opposed livestreaming it.
Hasan, a former US Army psychiatrist, was found guilty in a military trial of fatally shooting 13 people at Fort Hood in Texas in 2009.