Nidal Hasan’s Public Execution Is Off, But Propagandists Are Still Using Him as a Martyr

Pentagon officials had planned to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, a former US Army Major who killed 13 people and injured 32 others at Fort Hood in 2009. However, the execution will now not be livestreamed. Despite this change, Hasan's image is already being used by terrorist propagandists. Experts in Islamist and extremist circles say Hasan is now turning up in memes, videos, and recruitment material for groups like Al Qaeda.

Moustafa Ayad, a research chair in global Islamism and counter-terrorism, said edited videos showing Hasan as a "heroic mujahid brother" have already been created, quoting Osama Bin Laden. One such image shows Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) referring to Hasan as a hero and quoting Bin Laden. Another propaganda group has included Hasan in its newsletter, highlighting him as a "heroic mujahid brother" and quoting Bin Laden.

Ayad explained that these edits are being viewed as a means to recruit people and galvanize inspiration in extremist circles. He believes younger people are creating these memes and videos, showing Hasan dancing over a number representing his kill count, to the beat of electronic music. Propagandists will continue to use Hasan's image, even though the public execution has been halted, as he remains a symbol of martyrdom for terrorist groups.