Trump calls off plan to livestream Fort Hood shooter's execution, says people "would rather not watch him die"

Updated on: October 15, 2026 / 1:07 PM EDT / CBS News

Trump calls off plan to livestream Fort Hood shooter's execution, says people "would rather not watch him die"

TL;DR

  • President Trump announced the decision to cancel the livestream of Nidal Hasan's execution.
  • The initial plan, supported by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was to allow public viewing as a deterrent.
  • The reversal came after widespread criticism from politicians concerned about the event becoming a recruitment tool for terrorists.
  • Victims' families will have the option to view the execution in person.
  • Hasan is set to be executed by firing squad on December 3rd at Fort Hood.
  • If livestreamed, it would have placed the U.S. among a small group of nations conducting public executions.
  • The last known public execution in the U.S. was in 1936, and the last military execution was in 1961.