President Trump approves execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan

U.S. President Donald Trump has approved the execution by firing squad of Nidal Malik Hasan, a former U.S. Army psychiatrist convicted for the 2009 mass shooting at the Fort Hood military base in Texas. The decision, recommended by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and announced by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, marks the first potential U.S. military execution in 65 years. The date and location of the execution remain to be determined.

On November 5, 2009, Hasan opened fire at the Fort Hood medical center, killing 13 people—12 military personnel and one civilian—and wounding 32 others. Hasan, a U.S.-born Muslim of Palestinian descent, reportedly sought to prevent soldiers from deploying to conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, which he viewed as illegal. Described by some sources as a "lone wolf" loyal to al-Qaeda, Hasan was shot during the attack and is currently partially paralyzed.

Under current military regulations, the execution must be carried out within 150 days of the presidential approval, but not sooner than 60 days. The process will proceed under the direction of the Secretary of Defense as the military prepares for this historic application of capital punishment.