Trump Approves Firing-Squad Execution for Fort Hood Gunman Nidal Hasan

President Donald Trump has approved the execution of former U.S. Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan by firing squad, advancing a case that could result in the first execution under the U.S. military justice system in more than six decades. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced the decision on Monday, October 5, saying the execution had been recommended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and subsequently approved by Trump. The Secretary of the Army will be responsible for determining when and where the execution would take place. No execution date has been announced. Presidential approval is a significant step in the military death penalty process, but it does not mean Hasan will be executed immediately. He could pursue additional legal challenges through the civilian federal courts, potentially delaying the sentence from being carried out. Hasan was sentenced to death on August 28, 2013, after a military court convicted him of 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder. The charges stemmed from the November 5, 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, where Hasan opened fire inside a medical facility used by soldiers preparing for deployment. Twelve soldiers and one civilian were killed in the attack, while dozens of others were wounded. Responding police officers shot Hasan during the incident, leaving him partially paralysed before he was taken into custody. His court-martial also resulted in his dismissal from the Army and the forfeiture of his military pay and allowances. Because a death sentence was imposed, the case went through mandatory reviews within the military appeals system. If the execution ultimately proceeds, it would mark the first time the U.S. military has carried out a death sentence since 1961.