Execution of Fort Hood shooter will no longer be livestreamed, Trump says

The execution of the Fort Hood shooter will no longer be livestreamed for public consumption, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, reversing a decision that garnered criticism from members of both parties.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he believed airing the execution would have been a “strong deterrent” for violent groups to “witness how America deals with Terrorists and SCUM.” However, he acknowledged the concerns posed by lawmakers, including Utah Sen. John Curtis, who worried airing the execution would be a dangerous precedent to set.

“Many very good and well meaning people would rather not watch him die, through streaming, or through any other visual device,” Trump said. “He will die, as scheduled, by firing squad, but this event will not be streamed. That said, the execution may be viewed in person by the immediate families of the victims, if they so choose. They deserve to witness JUSTICE!”