NRT briefing
Trump praised by Fort Hood survivors for scrapping ‘barbaric’ Nidal Hasan execution livestream
Based on reporting by New York Post.
The Brief
Survivors of the 2009 Fort Hood massacre praised President Donald Trump’s decision to scrap the planned livestream of Nidal Hasan’s execution, warning that broadcasting his death could become a propaganda tool for terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Alonzo Lunsford, who was shot seven times during the attack, called the decision a “positive move,” saying it shows “we are a better people, a better nation, and that we’re not barbaric.” He also warned that footage could be used by extremists to recruit.
Julia Wilson, a civilian employee who was nine months pregnant during the rampage, said she was “ecstatic” the livestream was scrapped and voiced concerns about the mental health impact on viewers, as well as the permanent presence of such video online.
Hasan remains scheduled to be executed by firing squad on Dec. 3, 2026, and the immediate families of his victims will still be permitted to witness the execution in person. Trump said he initially thought streaming might serve as a deterrent but ultimately sided with opponents. He wrote on Truth Social, “He will die, as scheduled, by firing squad, but this event will not be streamed.”
NRT commentary
How We See It
Trump’s decision to forgo a livestream of Nidal Hasan’s execution strikes the right balance between justice and dignity. While the spectacle of a public broadcast might have satisfied a thirst for retribution, it risked turning a solemn act into entertainment and handing terrorist groups a recruiting tool.
The survivors’ concerns about mental health and the permanence of such footage are also well-founded; once online, an execution video would never truly disappear. By allowing only the immediate families of the victims to witness the event in person, Trump preserves the gravity of the moment while respecting the closures that many survivors seek.
This is a wise compromise—one that upholds the penalty without sacrificing our national character. It also sends a message that America can administer justice without glorifying violence, even against those who have committed the most heinous acts.
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