Pentagon plans to live-stream military execution of Nidal Hasan, a 2009 Fort Hood shooter, sparks intense political and religious controversy. The execution, scheduled for December, would be the first U.S. military firing squad execution in 65 years and the first public execution in 90 years.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the plan, despite opposition from lawmakers and religious leaders. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, expressed skepticism and said he would not watch the livestream if it occurs. Trump, who approved the execution, has not yet decided on the live feed.
The move faces strong opposition, with lawmakers calling it a mockery of the legal system and a promotion of a 'culture of death.' The Catholic Church and other groups condemn the practice, while some Republicans support the decision. The execution comes amid heightened debate over the death penalty following a failed lethal injection in Tennessee.
The plan has drawn criticism from both parties, with Democrats and some Republicans opposing the public nature of the execution. The U.S. military's decision to livestream the event has sparked a nationwide debate on the ethics and legality of public executions.