Trump cancels livestream of firing-squad execution of Fort Hood terrorist

Fort Hood terrorist Nidal Hasan.

President Trump on Thursday announced the firing squad execution of the terrorist convicted for carrying out the deadly 2009 attack on Fort Hood in Texas will no longer be livestreamed for public viewing, bowing to a chorus of loud criticism since the decision was announced last week, although the president himself still seems to support the idea of making the execution public. 

Trump made the announcement in a post on Truth Social that Nidal Hisan's execution in December will no longer be livestreamed, saying, "I think streaming the execution for all to see might have been a strong deterrent for the World to witness how America deals with Terrorists and SCUM like Hasan but, many very good and well meaning people would rather not watch him die, through streaming, or through any other visual device. He will die, as scheduled, by firing squad, but this event will not be streamed."

Trump said any victims' family members will still be given the opportunity to observe the execution. Hasan killed 13 and wounded 32 when he opened fire on unarmed Army soldiers and civilians as he screamed "Allahu Akbar" during the 2009 mass shooting. "That said, the execution may be viewed in person by the immediate families of the victims, if they so choose," Trump said. "They deserve to witness JUSTICE!"

Trump had shown signs that he might waffle on the livestream plans as a vocal backlash from both sides of the political aisle grew. However, there also was public support for the livestream as tech CEO Palmer Lucky had been vocal about backing the idea, and during an appearance on Gutfeld! this week, Dave Rubin also supported the plan when asked whether he was concern Hasan's execution could be turned into propaganda to further radicalize Islamic terrorists. "They don't need any more incentive to kill us," Dave said, adding that he had planned to watch with a tub of popcorn. 

Hasan is scheduled to be executed by firing squad at Fort Hood on December 3.