Nidal Hasan, the military psychiatrist condemned to death for the 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, will be executed by a firing squad in a public broadcast announced by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Fort Hood Attack and Legal Precedent
On November 5, 2009, Nidal Hasan, a US military psychiatrist of Palestinian origin and Islamic faith, opened fire at a medical center on the Fort Hood military base in Texas. The attack left 13 people dead—including 12 soldiers—and wounded dozens of others. Investigators established that Hasan acted as a lone wolf inspired by the terrorist group al-Qaida, seeking to prevent soldiers from deploying to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, which he considered unlawful. During the exchange of gunfire, Hasan was struck in the spine, leaving him dependent on a wheelchair.
A military court convicted Hasan in 2013, sentencing him to death. Earlier this week, CNews reported that President Donald Trump authorized the execution by firing squad. This method marks the first military execution carried out by the United States since 1961, when John Bennett was hanged for the rape and attempted murder of an infant. The last military firing squad execution occurred in 1945, when Eddie Slovik was executed for desertion during World War II.
Logistics of the Public Broadcast
In a video posted to X by official Pentagon-affiliated accounts, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined the parameters for the upcoming execution. Hegseth stated that Hasan will be shot by soldiers, emphasizing the administration’s intent to make the event public. According to CNews, Hegseth told right-wing influencer Jack Posobiec aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln that the public must witness the consequences of such actions.
Hegseth specified that the execution is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on December 3 at Fort Hood, matching the time of day the original shooting took place. A defense department official subsequently confirmed under anonymity that the event will be broadcast live, though specific technical details regarding the retransmission remain unannounced.
| Event Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Condemned Inmate | Nidal Hasan |
| Date of Execution | December 3 |
| Time | 1:00 p.m. |
| Location | Fort Hood, Texas |
| Method | Firing Squad |
| Prior US Military Execution | 1961 (John Bennett, hanging) |
| Prior Firing Squad Execution | 1945 (Eddie Slovik) |
Global Context and Historical Framework
Capital punishment within the United States armed forces remains rare. According to historical data cited by the Death Penalty Information Center via CNews, 135 soldiers have been executed by the US military since 1916. Internationally, public executions are monitored closely by human rights organizations. Amnesty International recorded at least 17 public executions globally in 2025, comprising six in Afghanistan and eleven in Iran.
When questioned about whether Hasan had formulated a last wish, Hegseth dismissed the inquiry, maintaining focus on the execution date set for December 3.
