Trump Signs Order for Firing Squad Execution of Fort Hood Shooter Nidal Hasan

Key points

• Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed Trump approved the firing squad method after a recommendation from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
• Hasan, a former Army psychiatrist, was convicted in 2013 for the 2009 Fort Hood massacre that killed 13 people and wounded 32.
• Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle set the execution date for December 3 at 2 p.m. ET at Fort Hood.
• This will be the first US Army execution by firing squad since Private Eddie Slovik in 1945 and the first military death penalty execution since 1961.
• Hasan represented himself at trial, admitted to the shooting, and claimed he acted to protect Taliban leaders from US military operations.

Background

This decision follows a period of significant leadership restructuring within the US military under Secretary Hegseth, who has blocked numerous officer promotions and distributed manuals emphasizing anti-war rhetoric. The approval comes as the administration faces declining approval ratings ahead of the 2026 midterms.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian and CNN emphasize the historical rarity of the firing squad method, noting it has not been used by the US Army since 1945. CBS News highlights the procedural details, including the December 3 date and the lengthy appeals process, noting Hasan’s Supreme Court petition was denied. All sources agree on the core facts but differ in emphasis: CNN provides extensive background on previous military executions, while CBS focuses on the legal and administrative timeline.

Why it matters

The execution marks a historic shift in US military justice, ending a 65-year hiatus on capital punishment for service members. It underscores the Trump administration’s stance on military discipline and its willingness to use controversial methods, potentially influencing public perception of the Pentagon’s leadership and the broader political climate ahead of the midterms.

What to watch

The execution is scheduled for December 3 at Fort Hood. Legal experts note that Hasan could still file a habeas corpus petition to challenge the legality of his imprisonment, which might delay the process. The Army Secretary will finalize the specific logistics, though the date has already been set.