Seventy-two retired United States generals, admirals, and other high-ranking military officers have issued an open letter to the US government, urging the cancellation of a planned livestream execution of Nidal Hasan, the perpetrator of the Fort Hood shooting.
In the letter, they appeal to the President, Congressional representatives, and the public to prevent what they term a “barbaric abuse of authority.” The retired officials argue that executing Hasan in such a public manner could elevate him to martyr status and constitute a violation of the Constitution’s protections against cruel and unusual punishment. They further assert that the broadcast would degrade human dignity, turning a solemn act into a “carnival for the enjoyment of voyeurs and spectators.”
The intervention comes amid reports that President Donald Trump was wavering on the decision after learning that Hasan is paralyzed from the waist down and uses a wheelchair. Trump reportedly consulted with advisers and allies, expressing conflicting views on whether publicizing the execution might deter future terrorism.
Additionally, the Pentagon was said to be reevaluating the livestream plans, with indications that footage might be cut before the execution takes place. Hasan was sentenced to death in 2013 by a military jury for the 2009 Fort Hood attack, which involved 45 counts of premeditated murder and attempted murder. The shooting occurred just weeks before his scheduled deployment to Afghanistan, and he was left partially paralyzed after being shot by police during his arrest.
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