Depending on whether or not President Donald Trump ultimately approves it, Fort Hood mass shooter Nidal Hasan, who claimed the lives of 13 people during a shooting spree in 2009, could get the first military death penalty in six decades.
According to Fox News, the Pentagon is reportedly preparing to request that President Trump authorize the death penalty for Hasan, which would mark the first military execution in over 60 years.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is fully behind the decision to put Hasan to death, saying he's "100% committed" to making sure the convicted killer is sentenced to death.
Hasan was sentenced to death in 2013 after he was convicted by a jury.
Hasan is one of four death row prisoners under military jurisdiction, and if his execution is approved, it could pave the way for the others to meet the same fate.
In 2009, Hasan, a former Army psychiatrist, killed 13 people and wounded 32 more.
Fox News noted:
Hasan entered Fort Hood’s Soldier Readiness Center armed with a semi-automatic pistol and opened fire on fellow service members preparing for deployment.
During his subsequent trial, Hasan admitted to the shooting and claimed it was necessary to protect the "Islamic Empire" from American forces.
Secretary Hegseth provided a statement to Fox News Digital.
"I am 100% committed to ensuring the death penalty is carried out for Nidal Hasan," Hegseth told the outlet.
He added, "This savage terrorist deserves the harshest lawful punishment for his 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood. The victims and survivors deserve justice without delays."
Users across social media responded to the news of the potential military execution.
"This deranged murderer has live 16 years longer than the 13 military members he killed.
Whatever the Trump administration determine as his fate is fine by me as long as it’s the most harsh punishment and deterrent out there," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "Don't ever forget that the Obama Administration classified this as 'Workplace Violence' initially, and many were therefore unable to get combat benefits. This was sheer madness and the compliant lapdog press gave him a pass on this as usual"
It'll be interesting to see if Trump signs off on the request. Clearly, many believe it's about 16 years in the making.
