From Slate Magazine · Austin Sarat · · 1m 20s
Pete Hegseth's Fort Hood Execution Stunt
Pentagon plans public livestream of Nidal Hasan's firing squad execution.
In brief
Pentagon plans public livestream of Nidal Hasan's firing squad execution. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth scheduled Nidal Hasan's execution for December 3 at Fort Hood to livestream the firing squad, aiming to show the brutality of the death penalty. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Pentagon Announces Execution Plan
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth scheduled Nidal Hasan's execution for December 3 at Fort Hood.
“Of course we’re going to do it at Fort Hood. And do it on a Thursday and we’re going to do it at 1 o’clock, which is when he did it, and it’s going to be soldiers with rifles executing the firing squad.”
Unprecedented Livestream Plan
The Pentagon plans to livestream Hasan's execution, a practice not seen in the United States.
“Releasing video of executions is most often associated with extremist militant groups like the Islamic State.”
Public Executions in History
Public executions were once common in the U.S., with citizens watching to learn about justice.
“Parents and teachers would often bring children along to teach them a lesson.”
Historical Context
Executions included 'gallows speeches' and were meant to educate citizens on justice.
“Parents and teachers would often bring children along to teach them a lesson.”
Last Public Execution
Kentucky carried out the last public execution in 1936, involving a young black man convicted of rape.
“Kentucky was the only state still conducting public hangings, a fate reserved for what was viewed by Kentucky’s citizens as the most heinous crime: rape.”
Modern Execution Method
Hasan will be executed by firing squad with a hood and paper heart, followed by soldiers firing rifles.
“Hasan will be seated in a chair with a hood placed over his head with a paper heart affixed to his chest.”
Criticism of Stunt
Vice President J.D. Vance says he won’t watch the execution livestream.
“That’s why even Vice President J.D. Vance says he won’t watch it.”
Racist Undertones
Hasan’s Muslim background likely explains Hegseth’s choice for a public execution.
“As though a nod to those racist public spectacles of yore, Hasan’s Muslim background almost certainly explains why Hegseth is so determined that he be the first to endure such a punishment in such a public way.”
Consequence of Stunt
The execution will confirm widespread views that the U.S. has lost its mind and abandoned decency.
“It will unfortunately only confirm the widespread view that our country has lost its mind and abandoned any pretense to decency in its dealings with its citizens, or those of other nations.”
The takeaway
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth scheduled Nidal Hasan's execution for December 3 at Fort Hood to livestream the firing squad, aiming to show the brutality of the death penalty.
