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US Homeland Security chief defends plan to livestream Nidal Hasan's execution
Overview
US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has defended plans to livestream the execution of convicted Fort Hood killer Nidal Hasan, dismissing concerns from lawmakers that it could fuel radicalisation or create a martyr. Hasan, a former US Army Major, is scheduled to be executed by firing squad in December for the 2009 shooting that left 13 soldiers dead.
Key points
- DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the plan to livestream Nidal Hasan's execution, stating he sees no elevated national security risk.
- Hasan is scheduled to be executed by firing squad in December for killing 13 soldiers at the Fort Hood military base in Texas in 2009.
- The proposal to livestream the execution has faced criticism from both Republican and Democrat lawmakers, who warned it could fuel radicalisation and act as terrorist propaganda.
- President Donald Trump stated he signed off on the execution, though a final decision on the livestream is still pending.
- If carried out, it would be the first public execution in the US in nearly a century.