Maher reflected on his Catholic faith and recent deployment to the Middle East and East Africa arguing that “turning an execution into a public spectacle would undermine the values that have defined the United States.”
The assemblyman said he “felt compelled to speak up” and reach out to the Trump Administration to share his concerns.
In a letter to the president, Maher sad the families of the victims deserve justice, but broadcasting the execution would do little to honor their loved ones or provide meaningful closure.
He also said extremist groups could exploit footage of the execution for propaganda and recruitment, potentially undermining American interests and putting serve members overseas at greater risk.
Maher is not the only one to object to a public execution. Several public officials on both sides of the political aisle expressed opposition to Hegseth’s plan.
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