Public Execution
The Pentagon announced the execution of convicted mass shooter Nidal Hasan will be by firing squad and livestreamed on December 3, 2026. Hasan admitted in court to the 2009 shooting at Fort Hood military base that killed 13 people and injured 32. His execution is to be the first carried out by the U.S. military since the 1960s, and the announcement that it would be livestreamed came as a surprise to many. U.S. President Donald Trump said he is reviewing the plan, approves of the sentence, but will ultimately decide whether to allow it to be livestreamed.
Analysis and eternal perspective: There are many difficult components to this story. First, the 2009 killings at Hasan’s hands were an act of pure evil. His confession and lack of remorse in court demonstrate an ongoing allegiance to that evil. It is grievous beyond words to witness the consequences from one who has so thoroughly rejected the opportunity to turn from wrongdoing.
Next, the death penalty is divisive and controversial, no matter how devastating the crime. As we discussed last week, faithful and fervent Jesus followers come to a wide array of conclusions on the wisdom of the death penalty in general.
Finally, the prospect of a public (in this case, livestreamed) execution by firing squad adds a whole new dynamic. Proponents say it maximizes the deterrence that the death penalty provides, while opponents suggest it could serve as propaganda for future terrorists.
As a Jesus follower, you will need to make a personal decision about how to interact with this story. Scripture is clear that the oppressor should be met with justice (Is. 1:17). It is equally clear that God pursues the sinner even to the point of “pulling them out of the fire” (Jude 1:23). Finally, you and I are instructed to set our minds on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy” (Philip. 4:8).
As the courts review any possible appeals, and the government determines the appropriate method of administering the sentence, let’s you and I be fervent in applying the words of scripture as we determine where to set our eyes and apply our attention.