Donald Trump has approved the execution by US Army firing squad of Nidal Hasan, the man sentenced to death for killing 13 soldiers at Fort Hood in 2009, according to chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. This decision marks a significant moment in US military justice, as Hasan would become the first US soldier to be executed by the US military in more than 60 years.
The Fort Hood Shooting and Nidal Hasan
On November 5, 2009, Nidal Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, opened fire at a medical facility in Fort Hood, Texas, killing 13 people and wounding more than 30 others. Twelve of the dead and 30 of the wounded were soldiers. The base served as a staging point for troops deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. Hasan, a US-born Muslim of Palestinian descent, was shot and partially paralyzed by a civilian police officer responding to the attack.
Hasan was sentenced to death by a military jury in 2013. He chose to represent himself during the trial but called no witnesses and gave no testimony, making no attempt to deny the charges. Court-appointed defense attorneys expressed concern that he was seeking execution.
Approval and Next Steps
Sean Parnell announced on X that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recommended and President Donald J. Trump approved death by US Army firing squad for Hasan. Parnell added, "The Secretary of the Army will set the time and place of the execution. Judgement day for Hasan has finally come."
The execution would be carried out by a firing squad composed of US Army personnel. The last military execution by firing squad was in 1961, when Private John A. Bennett was executed for rape and attempted murder. Since then, no US soldier has been executed by the military.
Comparison of Military Execution Methods
| Method | Description | Last Used |
|---|---|---|
| Firing Squad | Five soldiers shoot simultaneously | 1961 |
| Lethal Injection | Single drug or combination | Never by military |
| Hanging | Used in past centuries | 19th century |
Key Takeaways
- Trump approved firing squad execution for Nidal Hasan.
- Hasan killed 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009.
- He was sentenced to death in 2013.
- Execution would be first military execution since 1961.
- Secretary of the Army will set execution date.
FAQ
Who is Nidal Hasan?
Who is Nidal Hasan?
Nidal Hasan is a former US Army psychiatrist who carried out the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, killing 13 people. He was sentenced to death in 2013.
Why is Trump involved in this execution?
Why is Trump involved in this execution?
As president, Trump has the authority to approve military executions. The defense secretary recommended it, and Trump approved.
When will the execution take place?
When will the execution take place?
The Secretary of the Army will set the time and place. No date has been announced yet.