Former Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, who targeted Fort Hood in a deadly 2009 shooting, now faces execution on December 3, 2026. This event will occur at the same post where he committed his attack, as relayed in an email to victims’ families.
Hasan’s execution via firing squad marks the first military execution since 1961. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell conveyed the decision, noting the firing squad’s recommendation by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the subsequent approval by President Trump. Parnell stated, “Judgement day for Hasan has finally come.” Fort Hood directed CBS Texas to Army headquarters for further comments.
The attack, carried out on November 5, 2009, resulted in 13 fatalities and 32 injuries. Hasan fired 146 rounds at unarmed soldiers preparing to deploy, according to records. This decision revives the method last used during World War II, when Pvt. Eddie Slovik faced execution in France for desertion.
Hasan, at 56 years old, served as an Army psychiatrist at the shooting’s time and had been part of the military for two decades. Witness testimonies recalled him shouting “Allahu Akbar” before the assault. Police gunfire during the incident left Hasan paralyzed from the chest down. Post-conviction, Hasan resided on death row at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas.
Why a Firing Squad?
Military executions require presidential approval as per Army regulation 190-55. A 2019 revision omitted “lethal injection,” granting the Army Secretary discretion on execution methods. Recommendation duties lie with the provost marshal general. The prisoner is personally informed of the president’s decision by the commandant, accompanied by a chaplain and, if available, a defense attorney, upon which they are termed a “condemned prisoner.”
The Victims
Families of the deceased received prior notifications about the planned execution. Survivors and relatives were invited to attend, marking what many hope is the closing chapter of their shared tragedy.
- Lt. Col. Juanita Warman, 55
- Maj. Libardo Eduardo Caraveo, 52
- Capt. John P. Gaffaney, 56
- Capt. Russell Seager, 51
- Staff Sgt. Justin DeCrow, 32
- Sgt. Amy Krueger, 29
- Spc. Jason Dean Hunt, 22
- Spc. Frederick Z. Greene, 29
- Pfc. Aaron T Nemelka, 19
- Pfc. Michael S. Pearson, 22
- Pfc. Kham S. Xiong, 23
- Pvt. Francheska Velez, 21 (and her unborn child)
- Michael Grant Cahill, 62
This story is developing. Updates will be provided as further information emerges.