Mullin backs plan to livestream Nidal Hasan's execution

US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin backed the Pentagon's proposed livestream of Nidal Hasan's execution on October 11. Speaking to CBS, he said he saw no increased risk to US security.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the plan last week. The former Army major is scheduled to be executed by firing squad on December 3. He was convicted of killing 13 people at Fort Hood in Texas in 2009.

Mullin said the broadcast would demonstrate the consequences of attacking Americans. He added that nobody would have to watch and said he followed President Donald Trump's position.

The proposal has drawn objections from Republicans as well as other critics. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski urged the Pentagon to abandon the broadcast, arguing that it could give the prisoner the martyrdom he seeks.

Vice President JD Vance said on October 9 that he would not watch if the execution were streamed. Trump said on October 10 that there were two schools of thought and he would ultimately decide. Mullin's comments therefore express support for the proposal, rather than confirmation that the broadcast will happen.

Hasan's execution would be the first US military execution since 1961. More than 30 people were wounded in the 2009 attack, in addition to those killed.