Story perspectives

Trump Approves Nidal Hasan Firing-Squad Execution, First Since 1961

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 10:04 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump approved former Army Major Nidal Hasan’s firing-squad execution.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recommended the firing-squad method.
Nidal Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, was convicted of 13 murders and 32 attempted-murder counts.
It would be the first military execution since 1961, when Pvt. John A. Bennett was hanged.
The Secretary of the Army will set the execution’s time and place after Trump’s approval.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. military executed 160 soldiers between 1942 and 1961, the last being Private John A. Bennett, hanged at Fort Leavenworth on April 13, 1961. Since that execution, a 63-year pause has persisted. President Donald Trump, backed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, authorized a firing-squad execution for former Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan, reviving the dormant capital-punishment practice.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump approved former Army Major Nidal Hasan’s firing-squad execution.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recommended the firing-squad method.
Nidal Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, was convicted of 13 murders and 32 attempted-murder counts.
It would be the first military execution since 1961, when Pvt. John A. Bennett was hanged.
The Secretary of the Army will set the execution’s time and place after Trump’s approval.

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