Trump cancels plan to livestream military execution after widespread opposition

US President Donald Trump cancelled plans to broadcast an execution live on 15 October 2026. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had announced that the military would film and stream the execution of Nidal Hasan, a former army doctor convicted of murder. Hegseth said it would show that serious crimes have serious consequences. Hasan shot and killed 13 unarmed soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009, and wounded 32 others. He was paralysed during the attack and now uses a wheelchair. Many people opposed the broadcast plan. Seventy-two retired generals and admirals signed a letter against it. Religious leaders called it barbaric. Politicians from both parties warned it could help terrorist groups recruit new members. No government execution has ever been broadcast in the United States.