Fort Hood Survivor Opposes Livestream of Hasan Execution

Former Army Maj. Nidal Hasan is scheduled to be executed by firing squad at Fort Hood on Dec. 3 after being convicted in the 2009 shooting that killed 13 people, while survivor Alonzo Lunsford seeks a private confrontation and rejects a public livestream.

According to the Pentagon, Hasan's execution is planned for 1 p.m. at the Army post where the attack occurred nearly 17 years earlier. The military has not executed anyone since 1961.

According to CBS News, Lunsford was among 32 people injured in the Nov. 5, 2009 shooting and was shot seven times, including in the eye. He said he wants to attend the execution in person rather than watch a broadcast.

"I want to be in the room where I can see him, and he can see me," said former Army Sgt. Alonzo Lunsford.

Lunsford said he opposes the Pentagon plan to livestream the execution, which would be the first such public broadcast of a U.S. execution. He said the event should not become entertainment.

"People have to be held accountable for their sins, but I don't want this to be some pay-per-view event, like some John Wick movie," said former Army Sgt. Alonzo Lunsford.

Lunsford also raised concerns about children being able to access the broadcast. He said his experience with the shooting continues to shape his view of the execution.

"As a country, we're better than that," said former Army Sgt. Alonzo Lunsford.

Hasan was paralyzed from the chest down before his arrest and required a wheelchair during his court-martial. The last military firing squad execution occurred in 1945.

Vice President JD Vance addressed uncertainty about the planned livestream and said he would not view it if it occurred.

"I don't know that that's actually going to happen," said Vice President JD Vance.

Lunsford said the execution would not provide personal closure, describing his recovery and work helping others as the source of his progress. He later became a basketball coach and mentor.

"This will not be closure for me," said former Army Sgt. Alonzo Lunsford.

Lunsford carries a bullet removed from his body as a reminder of the attack. He said the object helps him manage difficult moments.

"I still have the slug of one of the bullets. Everywhere I go it goes," said former Army Sgt. Alonzo Lunsford.

He explained that touching the bullet has become part of how he stays grounded after the shooting.

"Whenever I'm having a bad day, I rub on the bullet. This is what keeps me balanced," said former Army Sgt. Alonzo Lunsford.

Lunsford said he continues to focus on his life and his role as a mentor following the attack.

"loves living," said former Army Sgt. Alonzo Lunsford.