Firing Squad Execution to Be Livestreamed, Pentagon Says
The public will be able to watch the execution of a former US Army major by firing squad, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced.
A Defense Department official revealed to the BBC that the execution of Nidal Hasan, who shot dead 13 unarmed US soldiers at Fort Hood in 2009, would be livestreamed. It is believed this could mark the first public execution in the US in almost a century.
"This is unprecedented in the modern era and on uncertain legal terrain," said John Mills, a lawyer who works with inmates sentenced to death.
The UN human rights office has stated that livestreaming the execution would be "tantamount to a public execution and would breach the absolute prohibition of torture."
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy called the idea "disgusting" and compared it to executions carried out by the Islamic State group.
This week, the Pentagon confirmed it would execute Hasan, marking the first military execution in over 60 years.
Hasan's Attack and Victims
Hasan, a US Army psychiatrist from Virginia, admitted fatally shooting 13 unarmed soldiers in a crowded medical building at Fort Hood.
Survivor Reflects on Execution
Alonzo Lunsford, a former US Army sergeant who was shot seven times in the attack, told BBC's Today programme he supported the execution by firing squad as "befitting" for Hasan's actions. While he does not believe everyone should be able to watch the livestream, he thinks it is important that those affected by the shooting are given access.
"As far as the families of the fallen and the families of the survivors, and the survivors themselves, yes, I think we should be able to look at it uncensored."
Lunsford plans to attend the execution and wants Hasan to look him in the eyes before the trigger is pulled: "I want him to know he failed. I'm still here."
Details of Execution
Hegseth stated in an interview with conservative TV outlet Real America's Voice that Hasan will face a firing squad of soldiers, adding "as it should be." When asked about any final requests or contact from President Donald Trump, Hegseth replied: "Don't care. We'll see him on December 3rd."