Nidal Malik Hasan to Be Executed by Firing Squad
The Pentagon has confirmed the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, the former Army officer responsible for the tragic Fort Hood shooting in 2009, will take place via a U.S. Army firing squad.
Background of the Case
On November 5, 2009, Nidal Malik Hasan entered a readiness processing center at Fort Hood, Texas, and opened fire on unarmed soldiers, ultimately killing 13 individuals and injuring 32 others. He reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the assault.
The victims included a pregnant soldier, a fact that adds to the horror of the incident, which stands as one of the deadliest mass shootings on a military installation in U.S. history.
Decision on Execution
According to Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell, “Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has recommended — and President Donald J. Trump has approved — death by U.S. Army firing squad for convicted terrorist Nidal Malik Hasan.” The final schedule for the execution will be determined by the Secretary of the Army.
This execution would mark a significant historical moment, being the first case involving a firing squad since the execution of Pvt. Eddie D. Slovik in 1945 for desertion during World War II.
Historical Context of Military Executions
Hasan’s sentencing follows a long hiatus in military executions; the last one was conducted in 1961, when Army Pvt. John Bennett was executed by hanging in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for a violent crime against a young girl.
Trial and Conviction
In August 2013, Hasan was found guilty by a military jury after formally admitting to the shootings, asserting he acted in support of the Taliban. He controversially requested to delay proceedings to craft a defense that claimed he was acting “in defense of others,” later acknowledging his allegiance to the Taliban during his court-martial.
Col. Tara Osborn, who presided over his trial, prompted Hasan to explain whom he was defending, leading to his declaration of loyalty to the Taliban.
A Survivor’s Account
Former Army Staff Sgt. Patrick Zeigler, a two-time combat veteran, was severely injured during the attack, being shot four times. He recounted, “He looked me straight in the eyes as he pointed the gun at me, and a split second later, I’m on the floor with a hole in my head.”
