In a bold move, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has formally requested President Donald Trump’s approval to immediately proceed with the execution of former Army Major Nidal Hasan. Hasan is infamous for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting that tragically took the lives of 13 individuals and left 32 others injured. The Army has officially started the necessary steps to implement Hasan’s death sentence, which was upheld after all legal challenges were exhausted back in April. This case has sparked renewed debates around the military justice system and the ethics of capital punishment, with families of the victims pushing for closure while human rights advocates express serious concerns over the process.
Hasan is currently serving time at Fort Leavenworth after being convicted on 13 counts of murder and 32 counts of attempted murder. In recognition of the victims’ bravery, many received Purple Hearts along with acknowledgment from Congress in 2015, honoring their sacrifice.
Hegseth has made it clear that he is fully committed to seeing the death penalty carried out for Hasan, stating, “I am 100 percent committed to ensuring the death penalty is enforced for Nidal Hasan.” Highlighting the urgency for justice, he described Hasan’s act as one of terror, asserting, “This brutal terrorist deserves the most severe punishment available for his horrific actions at Fort Hood. Victims and survivors demand justice now, without any delays.”
Some survivors are backing Hegseth’s call for execution, while human rights groups remain vocal about their objections, suggesting the process may lack fairness and transparency in proceedings related to military capital punishment.
Hegseth has brushed aside any calls for leniency, which appears to signify a change in the military’s leadership approach. He declared, “The time for politically correct, overly sensitive leadership that aims to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings ends right now at every level.”
Feeling a sense of relief, Jerri Krueger, mother of the late Staff Sgt. Amy S. Krueger, expressed that knowing Hasan was convicted and remains behind bars brings her some comfort. She shared her thoughts, saying, “Though the heartache of losing Amy will never go away, it brings some solace knowing that Hasan was found guilty beyond any doubt and will pay for his actions.” Reflecting on Hasan’s current life, she added, “I take comfort in knowing he’s confined to a four-by-eight cell, and that’s what matters to me.”
Laura Mitchell reports on U.S. politics and news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.
