Trump backs down from the idea of ​​live broadcasting the execution of Nidal Hassan

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US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the execution of Nidal Hassan, convicted of killing American soldiers, which will be shot by a military firing squad, will not be broadcast live, after the idea sparked a wave of discontent in the United States.

The US President wrote on his platform, “Truth Social,” that Nidal Hassan, a military doctor and former officer in the US Army, “will be executed, as scheduled, by firing squad, but this event will not be broadcast live.”

Hassan, 56 years old, is scheduled to be executed on December 3 at Fort Hood, Texas (south), where he killed 13 people, including 12 soldiers, and wounded more than 30 others in an attack he carried out on November 5, 2009 and was inspired by Al-Qaeda.

This will be the first execution carried out by the US army since 1961, and the first execution by firing squad since 1945.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had announced that this execution would be broadcast live, in a decision that sparked a wave of condemnation in the United States, even within the ranks of the Republican Party, and also attracted criticism from around the world.

Vice President Jay DeVance also distanced himself from the announcement by Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News anchor known for his penchant for military-style spectacle.

In his message, Donald Trump said, "I believe that broadcasting the execution live, in full view of everyone, would have constituted a powerful means of deterrence for the entire world, as everyone could then see how the United States deals with terrorists and scum like Hassan."

He added, "However, many honest and well-intentioned people would prefer not to witness the moment of his death, whether it was via live broadcast or any other visual means."

Trump explained that the families of the victims would, however, be able to personally attend the execution if they wished, stressing in a firm tone, “They deserve to see justice done!”