Full Breakdown
U.S. Military Plans Public Firing-Squad Execution of Fort Hood Shooter Nidal Hasan
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The Execution Order and Schedule
President Donald Trump approved a firing-squad execution of former Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Hasan, the 2009 Fort Hood shooter. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recommended the method, and Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced the decision. Acting Secretary of the Army Adam Telle issued an order setting the execution for December 3 at 1 p.m. Central Time on the Fort Hood installation.
Background and Historical Context
On November 5, 2009, Hasan opened fire at the Soldier Readiness Processing Center at Fort Hood, shouting “Allahu akbar,” killing 13 service members and one civilian and wounding 32 others. He was convicted in July 2013 of 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted murder and sentenced to death. The Supreme Court denied his final petition in spring 2025.
The U.S. military has not executed a service member since 1961, when Private John Bennett was hanged. The last firing-squad execution was in January 1945, when Private Eddie Slovik was shot for desertion. Four inmates remain on military death row, all housed at the United States Disciplinary Barracks in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Data and Statistics
- Victims: 13 dead, 32 injured.
- Military death row: Four inmates, including Hasan.
- Execution history: First firing-squad execution since World War II; first military execution since 1961.
Official Statements & Responses
- Defense Secretary Hegseth said a public execution would demonstrate “serious consequences” for attacks on fellow service members.
- Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell posted, “Judgement day for Hasan has finally come,” confirming the president’s approval and the Army’s authority to set time and place.
- Robin Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, warned Hasan could delay the execution by filing a habeas-corpus appeal.
- Eugene Fidell, Yale Law School professor of military justice, called the public announcement “inappropriate” given the military’s long hiatus from capital punishment.
Criticism & Opposition
Legal scholars and death-penalty experts have raised concerns about the choice and publicity of the method. Fidell argued a more “formal, dignified” means of communication would have been preferable. Corinna Lain linked the decision to recent botched lethal-injection executions, suggesting states are re-examining execution methods amid mounting costs. Maher highlighted the possibility of further legal challenges that could postpone the scheduled date.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Location: While Hegseth and the Pentagon state the execution will occur at Fort Hood, an ABC report describes “Operation Resolute Justice,” which would transfer condemned inmates to a federal facility in Terre Haute, Indiana, for execution. No official clarification has been provided.
- Timing details: CNN reports the execution will be at 1 p.m. Central Time, matching the time of the 2009 shooting; other outlets only confirm the date of December 3 without specifying the hour.
- Public access: Hegseth’s pledge of a public viewing lacks details on how the Army will allow observation, and the Army has not responded to media inquiries.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’ll make sure that people are able to watch it, that it’s public, because people need to understand that there’s serious consequences for these types of things,” — Pete Hegseth, US defense secretary
- “The fact that the president has approved Mr. Hasan's death sentence is another step closer to his execution,” — Robin Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center
- “ "This savage terrorist deserves the harshest lawful punishment for his 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood," Hegseth told several media outlets, including The Hill, at the time.” — Pete Hegseth, US defense secretary