JD Vance casts doubt on firing squad execution and says he will not watch it

Vice-President JD Vance has expressed doubt about the Pentagon's plan to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan by firing squad. In an interview with reporters, Vance stated that he is unsure if the execution will actually take place as planned and added that if it is streamed live, he will not be watching. Hasan, a former US Army major, fatally shot 13 unarmed US soldiers and injured 32 others at Fort Hood in 2009, making his execution the first military execution in more than 60 years.

The Pentagon announced the execution by firing squad, which was then reportedly scheduled to be livestreamed for public viewing earlier this week. Vance described Hasan's actions as "the worst terrorist attack on American soil outside of 9/11" and emphasized that the execution would be a "seriously consequential" event. The White House has been asked whether President Trump supported the plans.

Vance's statement comes amid criticism from both political parties, with some warning that public executions can desensitize society and violate the prohibition of torture.