Archbishop Paul Coakley, the President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has voiced his “shock and great sorrow” over plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Hassan, who was sentenced to death for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting. In a statement to Vatican News, he condemned the decision as a “barbaric promotion of a culture of death,” emphasizing that while Hassan’s actions were indefensible, public executions further degrade the moral fabric of society.
Archbishop Coakley referenced St. Paul’s admonition against evil retaliation, reminding people that a public execution would tarnish the nation’s conscience. He concluded with a prayer for the nation to choose life even in trying circumstances.
The execution is scheduled for December 3, 2026, at Fort Hood, Texas, under the Pentagon’s plans approved by President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This would mark the first military execution since 1961. Hassan, a former Army psychiatrist, was convicted of killing 13 people and injuring 32 at Fort Hood.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has also criticized the decision, stating that broadcasting an execution violates the prohibition against torture.
