Archbishop Opposes Livestream Plan For Hasan Execution

The U.S. military faces criticism over its plan to execute convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan by firing squad and potentially livestream the event, with Archbishop Timothy Broglio urging Catholic Army personnel to seek exemption from participation.

According to the U.S. Army, Hasan is scheduled to be executed at Fort Hood on Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. CST. The execution would be the first military firing squad execution since 1945 and the first U.S. military execution by any method since 1961.

Broglio, who oversees Catholic pastoral services for the military, said he opposed the public broadcast proposal after recalling the funeral of victim Michael Grant Cahill, the only civilian killed in the 2009 attack.

"Imitate the terrorists of this world and make a public spectacle of barbarically killing our adversaries." Archbishop Timothy Broglio described the concern in a statement.

Broglio questioned whether the broadcast would serve a purpose while acknowledging the severity of Hasan's crimes.

"Was heinous, but does exposing the public to his execution serve any purpose?" Archbishop Timothy Broglio asked.

"I oblige any Catholics assigned to the firing squad to request to be excused from this action contrary to the teaching of the Church," Archbishop Timothy Broglio said.

Army regulations allow soldiers to request religious exemptions or accommodations. The Pentagon has not explained how firing squad members would be selected.

"The U.S. military generally enjoys a good reputation in the world," Archbishop Timothy Broglio said.

Other Catholic leaders also criticized the proposed livestream. Archbishop Paul Coakley, head of the U.S. bishops conference, expressed "shock" and "great sorrow" over the plan.

"In no way can Hasan’s actions be condoned but this decision is a barbaric promotion of a culture of death and must be reconsidered," Archbishop Paul Coakley said.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin also opposed the proposal and criticized turning an execution into a public event.

"Truly incomprehensible" Cardinal Pietro Parolin said, describing the proposed broadcast.

"Unacceptable to turn death into a spectacle." Cardinal Pietro Parolin said.

"It is truly incomprehensible that anyone would want to use this method in this day and age. I do not know for what purpose. It is certainly unacceptable to turn death into a spectacle.

However guilty the person may be, there are other ways." Cardinal Pietro Parolin said.

Parolin added that the Church opposes capital punishment, citing human dignity concerns.

"Is incompatible with human dignity and does not serve as a deterrent." Cardinal Pietro Parolin said.

Pope Leo XIV also reiterated Catholic opposition to the death penalty in a social media post marking World Day Against the Death Penalty.

"Inadmissible" Pope Leo XIV wrote while referring to the death penalty.

"The death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person. The common good can be safeguarded and the requirements of justice can be met without recourse to capital punishment: effective systems of detention have been developed that protect citizens while at the same time do not completely deprive those who are guilty of the possibility of redemption," Pope Leo XIV wrote.

The debate also drew support from Anduril Industries co-founder Palmer Luckey, who defended public executions and the proposed livestream.

"I have been outspoken on wanting public executions for over a decade." Palmer Luckey said.