Survivors of the 2009 Fort Hood shooting have expressed support for President Donald Trump’s choice not to broadcast the execution of Nidal Hasan. They believe livestreaming his death could sensationalize the event and provide a propaganda opportunity for terrorist organizations.
Hasan is scheduled to be executed by firing squad on December 3, 2026, and Trump has stated that the families of his victims will have the option to attend the execution in person. However, plans to stream the event for the public have been scrapped, following the initial announcement by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
Alonzo Lunsford, who was shot multiple times during the attack nearly 17 years ago, described Trump’s decision as a “positive move.” He stressed that it shows a commitment to decency as a society, adding, “We don’t glorify such actions.”
Lunsford supports Hasan’s death penalty but has concerns about turning the execution into a public spectacle. “It’s not something you broadcast like a wrestling match or a cookout,” he emphasized. He also cautioned that footage from the execution could be exploited by terrorist groups.
Julia Wilson, a Fort Hood civilian employee during the shooting, shared her worries about the mental health implications of livestreaming. At the time of the attack, she was nine months pregnant and has spoken about the trauma she endured. “I’m overjoyed that they won’t stream it,” she remarked, expressing concern that many might relive their trauma through the broadcast.
Wilson worries that the recording could be available online indefinitely, posing risks for children who might stumble upon it. “Once it’s out there, you can’t take it back,” she noted, highlighting that witnessing someone’s execution, regardless of the circumstances, can heavily impact a person’s mental wellness.
Trump acknowledged that broadcasting Hasan’s execution could have acted as a deterrent but ultimately sided with those against public viewing. “Many good and well-meaning people would rather not watch him die,” he posted on Truth Social. He maintained that families of the victims deserve to witness “JUSTICE” in person.
Lunsford remarked on the Army’s prior awareness of Hasan’s troubling behavior and criticized their decision to transfer him to Fort Hood from Walter Reed. He questioned what might have occurred had Hasan deployed overseas before the attack, suggesting it could have resulted in even greater loss of life.
Ultimately, Lunsford emphasized the importance of allowing victims’ families to witness the execution, stating that it could help them find closure. “It’s a traumatic thing, but they’ll be able to close the chapter,” he added, asserting that survivors are constantly reminded of the tragedy, saying, “Every day, we carry the scars of that day.” He concluded, “I am no longer a victim of his. I’m a survivor.”
