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Trump approves Hasan firing-squad execution for 13 deaths
The Army will set a time and place for the first US military execution since 1961.
What happened
President Donald Trump approved the execution by firing squad of Nidal Hasan, a former Army major sentenced to death by a military jury in 2013. Hasan was convicted over the 2009 Fort Hood shooting in Texas, which killed 13 people and injured 32. The Army secretary will choose the time and place.
Numbers
- 13 deathsKilled in the Fort Hood attack
- 32 injuredPeople injured in the attack
- 1961Last US military execution — If Hasan's execution proceeds
Questions
- Why did Trump have to approve it?
- Under US military law, presidential approval is required before a death sentence imposed by a court-martial can be carried out.
- How unusual is this method?
- Firing squads have been used rarely in US executions since capital punishment resumed, while military executions outside wartime remain uncommon.
- How did Hasan conduct his defence?
- Hasan represented himself, called no witnesses and gave no testimony after dismissing his lawyers during the military court-martial.
- What could delay the execution?
- Further appeals by Hasan could delay the execution even after the Army secretary sets a time and place for it.
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The catch
The coverage does not explain why a firing squad was chosen or when the execution will occur.
Appeals could affect timing.