President Trump Approves Firing Squad Execution for Fort Hood Attacker Nidal Hasan

What Happened

On October 6, 2026, President Donald Trump formally approved the execution of Nidal Hasan, the former Army Major convicted in the November 5, 2009, Fort Hood mass shooting. Hasan, who killed 13 people and wounded 32 others while shouting “allahu akbar” during the attack, will be executed by firing squad. This decision marks a significant historical event, as it will be the first execution carried out by the U.S. military in over 60 years. The last military execution occurred in 1961 when Army Pvt. John Bennett was hanged at Fort Leavenworth. The last military firing squad execution was even further back, in 1945, when Pvt. Eddie Slovik was shot for desertion during World War II. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the approval, stating on X, “Judgement day for Hasan has finally come,” and described Hasan as a “convicted terrorist.” The Secretary of the Army is now tasked with setting the specific time and place for the execution.

What the Evidence Establishes

Multiple independent sources corroborate the central facts: President Trump has approved the execution of Nidal Hasan by firing squad. Hasan was convicted for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, which resulted in 13 fatalities and 32 injuries. During the attack, Hasan reportedly shouted “allahu akbar.” The execution method, firing squad, was specifically approved by President Trump. This action is historically notable as it represents the first U.S. military execution in over six decades, with the last occurring in 1961. Furthermore, it would be the first military execution by firing squad since 1945. Hasan himself admitted to being the gunman during his trial, though he claimed his motive was to prevent U.S. soldiers from harming Muslims overseas. Four individuals, including Hasan, are currently on the military's death row at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, indicating a broader context for military capital punishment.

Where the Accounts Conflict

While the core facts regarding President Trump's approval of Nidal Hasan's execution by firing squad are consistent across sources, the narratives diverge in their emphasis and additional contextual details. Breitbart News, for instance, highlights the approval within the context of Second Amendment issues, featuring commentary from AWR Hawkins, an award-winning Second Amendment columnist. This framing suggests an underlying political agenda related to gun rights and national security. TMZ, conversely, focuses on the method of execution, drawing a direct comparison to a recent botched lethal injection attempt in Tennessee involving Christa Pike. TMZ emphasizes the

Context and Stakes

The approval of Nidal Hasan's execution by firing squad carries significant legal, ethical, and political implications. Historically, military executions in the U.S. have been exceedingly rare, with the last one occurring in 1961. The choice of firing squad, a method not used by the military since 1945, is particularly noteworthy. This decision comes shortly after a widely reported botched lethal injection attempt in Tennessee, where Christa Pike reportedly survived two doses of pentobarbital, leading Governor Bill Lee to halt all state executions for the year and order an external review. This incident has reignited debates about the efficacy and humaneness of various capital punishment methods, potentially influencing President Trump's decision to opt for a method perceived as more definitive. The case of Nidal Hasan, a former Army Major who committed an act of domestic terrorism on a military base, has long been a focal point for discussions on military justice, radicalization, and the appropriate response to such atrocities. The execution will undoubtedly draw international attention to the U.S. military justice system and its application of capital punishment.

What to Watch Next

The immediate next step will involve the Secretary of the Army setting the specific time and place for Nidal Hasan's execution. This administrative action is crucial for the process to move forward. Legal challenges are highly probable, as death row inmates often pursue all available appeals, potentially delaying the execution. Attorneys for Hasan may attempt to challenge the legality of the firing squad method or the execution order itself, citing constitutional or procedural grounds. Furthermore, public and political discourse surrounding capital punishment, particularly the use of firing squads, is expected to intensify. Advocacy groups on both sides of the death penalty debate will likely issue statements and organize demonstrations. The military's handling of the execution, including transparency and adherence to protocol, will be under intense scrutiny. Observers will also monitor any potential impact on the other three individuals currently on military death row at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, as this precedent could influence their cases.

Bottom Line

President Donald Trump's approval for the execution of Nidal Hasan by firing squad for the 2009 Fort Hood massacre marks a historic resumption of military capital punishment after a 65-year hiatus. This decision, made in the wake of a recent botched lethal injection in Tennessee, signals a definitive stance on the method of execution for a high-profile convicted terrorist. The Secretary of the Army will now determine the logistical details, while potential legal challenges are anticipated. The event will undoubtedly reignite national and international debates on capital punishment, its methods, and its application within the U.S. military justice system, setting a significant precedent for future cases involving military death row inmates.