Facing bipartisan backlash, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has drawn criticism over plans to livestream the execution of former US Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan, who killed 13 people in a 2009 shooting at Fort Hood, Texas.
Several Republican lawmakers condemned the proposal, arguing that broadcasting an execution would undermine the dignity of the justice system and disrespect the victims and their families.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis described the plan as “beyond disgusting,” saying public executions are associated with oppressive regimes and should have no place in the United States.
Republican Congressman Austin Scott also opposed the move, saying that while he supports Hasan’s death sentence, livestreaming the execution is unacceptable.
Meanwhile, Congressman Rob Bresnahan stressed that attention should remain on justice for the victims and their families, rather than turning the execution into a public spectacle.
Hasan was sentenced to death in August 2013 after a military jury convicted him of 45 counts of premeditated murder and attempted murder in connection with the Fort Hood shooting.
(Photo Courtesy: Aljazeera)
