Trump Approves Firing Squad Execution for Fort Hood Shooter Nidal Hasan

President Donald Trump has approved the execution by firing squad of former Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan, convicted of killing 13 people and wounding 32 in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recommended the method, marking the first U.S. military execution in over six decades and the first by firing squad since 1945.

Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle scheduled the execution for 1:00 p.m. on December 3 at Fort Hood, the same Texas base where the attack occurred. Army regulations require the execution to take place between 60 and 150 days after presidential approval, which Trump granted on October 2.

“Judgement day for Hasan has finally come.”

The Pentagon announced the execution will be livestreamed to the public, a decision Hegseth defended as necessary transparency regarding consequences for such crimes. Officials declined to provide details on the firing squad composition or specific procedures.

Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, opened fire at a soldier processing center while shouting "Allahu akbar." A military jury sentenced him to death in 2013, and the Supreme Court denied his final appeal in April 2025. He is currently held at Fort Leavenworth.

Legal experts note Hasan could file a habeas corpus petition in civilian court, potentially delaying the proceedings beyond the current administration. The livestream plan has sparked debate over the public nature of capital punishment.