House Speaker Mike Johnson warned that livestreaming the planned execution of convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan could provide recruitment material for terrorists, saying he intends to raise concerns from fellow Republicans directly with the White House.
"The concern would be that you would create a video that would be a recruiting tool for future terrorists," Johnson told CBS News. "We've got to think through the policy implications of all that."
Johnson said he would not watch the broadcast and that several House Republicans opposed the proposal. Hasan, a former Army major convicted of killing 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009, is scheduled to be executed by firing squad on December 3.
Other Republicans have also criticized the plan. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said broadcasting the execution could give Hasan the martyrdom he seeks, while Sen. Kevin Cramer declared, "The death penalty is not entertainment." Sen. Thom Tillis called the proposal "beyond disgusting." Rep. Andy Ogles, however, supported it, writing, "We will be watching."
Axios reported Monday that President Donald Trump had privately expressed doubts about livestreaming the execution, citing four people who had spoken with him. One confidant said Trump indicated the broadcast "might not happen," while another described the president as concerned about making Hasan a martyr. Axios also reported differing positions between Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Trump publicly acknowledged the uncertainty Saturday, saying, "There are two thoughts: don't show it and show it."
The controversy began Thursday when Hegseth announced plans to make Hasan's execution publicly viewable, arguing that Americans should understand the consequences of such attacks. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the proposal over the weekend, saying, "No one has to watch it," while Vance said he would not watch if it proceeded.
The execution itself remains scheduled. The administration has not announced a final decision on whether it will be livestreamed.
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