Outrage over US military plan to livestream firing squad execution

Washington — The Pentagon's intention to broadcast the execution of a convicted military base mass shooter by firing squad has sparked widespread outrage, with the United Nations alleging it would constitute torture and U.S. lawmakers condemning the move. Nidal Hasan, who carried out a shooting that left 13 dead in 2009, is set to be the first U.S. military prisoner put to death via a firing squad since 1945.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis deemed the streaming of the execution "beyond disgusting," asserting that public executions are commonplace in oppressive regimes like Iran and Afghanistan. Democrat Representative Adam Smith characterized the plan as "disturbing" and a "mockery" of the U.S. legal system. A Pentagon representative confirmed to AFP that the execution would indeed be broadcast live, following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's public pledge to ensure the event's public viewing. Hegseth later corrected the record after retweeting a media report about the controversy.