Pentagon plan to livestream Hasan execution condemned

The Pentagon plans to livestream the scheduled execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, drawing condemnation from religious leaders who say broadcasting the death would turn state punishment into a public spectacle. The Department of Defense has confirmed the livestream plan, but said details are forthcoming; the supplied reports do not establish that the execution or broadcast has occurred. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged officials to reconsider. In a statement, he said the decision was “a barbaric promotion of a culture of death” and argued that a public execution would damage the nation’s moral fabric. Coakley also said Hasan’s actions could not be condoned. The U.S. Army has scheduled Hasan’s execution for December 3 at 1 p.m. at Fort Hood, Texas, according to an announcement reported by one account. The execution is to be carried out by firing squad. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had said it would be public, and a Defense Department official confirmed the livestream plan while saying further information would follow.