Trump approves first U.S. military firing squad execution since World War II

President Trump has approved the firing squad execution of Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan, the Army psychiatrist convicted in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting that killed 13 unarmed soldiers. The execution, scheduled for December 3, 2026, marks the first U.S. military execution by this method since World War II and the first military execution of any kind in over 60 years.

Quick Facts

Approval of firing squad execution
2009 Fort Hood shooting rampage
13 soldiers killed, 32 wounded
Hasan admitted guilt at trial
Military jury convicted on 13 murder counts and 32 attempted murder counts

President Donald Trump has approved the execution by firing squad of Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, marking the first military execution by this method since World War II and the first of any kind in over 60 years. Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, killed 13 unarmed soldiers and wounded 32 others on November 5, 2009, at Fort Hood, Texas—the deadliest non-combat attack on a U.S. military base. Acting Secretary of the Army Adam Telle announced on Tuesday that the execution is scheduled for December 3, 2026, at Fort Hood.

Hasan admitted at trial that he was the shooter and described himself as a soldier who had "switched sides." During the 2013 military court proceedings, he stated he believed he was protecting Muslims and the Taliban in Afghanistan. A military jury of 13 officers unanimously convicted him on 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted murder, sentencing him to death. Hasan has been on death row at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, since his conviction. He was shot and partially paralyzed during his apprehension in November 2009.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recommended the execution, which required presidential approval under U.S. military law. Trump, who resumed the federal death penalty on his first day in office in January 2025, approved the measure. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that Hasan's "judgment day has finally come." However, Hasan retains the legal option to delay proceedings potentially for years through habeas corpus appeals in the civilian federal court system.

The execution method is rare in the United States. The last military execution by any method occurred in 1961. The last military firing squad execution was carried out on Eddie Slovik in January 1945 for desertion during World War II. Only five states—South Carolina, Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Utah—currently permit firing squad executions, with South Carolina carrying out the method in 2025 for the first time in 15 years nationwide.

Hasan opened fire in a crowded medical building where soldiers awaiting deployment were undergoing final medical examinations and vaccinations. He shouted "Allahu akbar" and fired a laser-sighted handgun. Officers Mark Todd and Kim Munley exchanged gunfire with Hasan, who was struck multiple times and left paralyzed from the waist down. Authorities recovered 177 unfired cartridges from Hasan's possession and two laser aiming devices from the scene.

Topics

Politics White House and Trump World Science

#Nidal Hasan #2009 shooting #capital punishment #Trump administration #firing squad #military execution #Fort Hood shooting #death penalty #armed forces

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Why This Matters

Hasan's execution represents a measurable shift in U.S. military capital punishment: it is the first firing squad method used in 81 years, the first military execution of any kind in 65 years, and follows Trump's January 2025 resumption of federal executions. The scheduled December 2026 date at Fort Hood affects military justice procedures and availability of legal appeals (Hasan may challenge via civilian federal habeas corpus). The case involves verifiable facts—13 confirmed deaths, 32 wounded, court conviction on 13 premeditated murder charges—but execution approval does not require independent judicial review and Hasan retains legal options to delay proceedings.

Timeline & Sources

Jan 31, 1945

Wire

Eddie Slovik executed by firing squad for desertion during WWII; last military firing squad execution

Jan 1, 1961

Wire

Pvt. John Bennett hanged for raping an 11-year-old girl; last military execution of any kind

Oct 7, 2026

Wire

Acting Secretary of Army announces Hasan execution scheduled for December 3, 2026, at Fort Hood

Dec 3, 2026

Wire

Scheduled execution of Nidal Malik Hasan by firing squad at Fort Hood