Former US generals push to stop 'barbaric' firing squad execution livestream

When asked if he validated the first live stream of an execution in the U.S., President Donald Trump seemed to suggest this is what the military want, because they were the target of Nidal Hasan's killing spree in 2009. There are two thoughts. Don't show it and show it. Because, you know, by showing it, maybe other people won't be doing what he did. So I'll make a decision ultimately. I know what the military would like to do. But 72 retired generals, admirals, and other high-ranking officers just signed a letter against the live stream of the execution by firing squad. They argue it violates the law. For example, military regulations ban minors from witnessing executions. This type of exploitative broadcasting that debases human dignity will taint the honor of the military that employs it and a nation that allows it. It will be used by our nation's enemies to stoke hatred, harm American soldiers and citizens in the future, and will ensure that Hassan becomes a martyr for attacking and killing his fellow soldiers. This concern has also been voiced by Republicans and Democrats, including the House Speaker. The U.S. has not had a public execution in some 90 years, and it has never broadcast an execution. While War Secretary Pete Hegseth has pushed for the public broadcast, Vice President J.D. Vance said, I hope that people don't forget that this is a guy who brutally murdered a lot of innocent people. Now that said, I mean, look, if it's ultimately live streamed, I'm not going to be watching it. Urging the U.S. to revise its plans, calling them cruel and inhuman, UN officials note that if it does live stream the execution, the U.S. would join Iran and the Taliban who carry out public executions.