United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has drawn swift bipartisan backlash following his announcement that the execution of the man responsible for the 2009 mass shooting at a Texas military base will be livestreamed to the public. Lawmakers across Congress reacted critically after the Pentagon chief stated that the death sentence of former US Army Major Nidal Hasan by firing squad would be made public.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis criticized the plan on social media, describing it as beyond disgusting and comparing public executions to the practices of oppressive dictatorships. Republican Congressman Austin Scott of the House Armed Services Committee similarly opposed the move, stating that while he supports the death sentence, livestreaming executions mirrors the actions of extremist groups. Other congressional members emphasized that the focus should remain on respecting the grief of the victims and their families rather than creating a public spectacle.
Democratic leaders also voiced strong opposition. Senator Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, called the decision a barbaric spectacle and a potential recruitment gift for anti-American terrorists, urging the administration to reconsider. Senator Chris Murphy also condemned the plan during a media appearance, likening the concept to medieval and extremist-style executions. Meanwhile, some conservative lawmakers expressed support, with Republican Congressman Andy Ogles praising the measure as appropriate punishment for a terrorist.
Vice President JD Vance remarked to reporters that he did not plan to watch the broadcast and questioned whether the livestream would ultimately materialize. Under existing US Army regulations, military executions are restricted to specific individuals, including legal counsel, media representatives, victims, and their relatives, while barring anyone under the age of 18. According to lawmakers, executing a publicly viewable broadcast would require a special presidential waiver from Donald Trump, whose administration authorized the firing squad method earlier in the week.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr stated that the agency would defer to the Department of Defense regarding the broadcast plans. Meanwhile, the United Nations human rights office issued a strong condemnation, warning that broadcasting the event would violate international law, function as a public execution, and breach prohibitions against torture. The Defense Department has not provided further comment on the matter.