America is preparing to livestream an execution, and while some people see it as justice, I believe we need to think carefully about the message we’re sending.
There is a story making headlines across the country that has me feeling two different ways. Part of me understands why people would support it. But another part of me is asking, “What in the world are we doing?” I’m talking about the U.S. military’s plan to livestream the execution of a man responsible for killing 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas.
What Happened at Fort Hood?
On November 5, 2009, Nidal Malik Hasan, a former Army major and psychiatrist, opened fire at Fort Hood, killing 13 people and wounding 32 others. In 2013, he was sentenced to death for his crimes.
Now his execution is scheduled for December 3, 2026 by firing squad. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has supported making the execution available for public viewing. Supporters believe this could send a strong message about the consequences of committing such terrible crimes.
And that’s where I have a problem.
Justice Shouldn’t Become Entertainment
Look, I understand wanting justice. Thirteen people lost their lives. Families were destroyed, and survivors have carried that pain for years. If someone close to me had been killed, I can imagine feeling angry enough to support the harshest punishment possible.
But does that mean we should livestream someone being killed?
I can already picture people gathering around their phones, cheering, sharing clips, and treating someone’s death like a sporting event. That doesn’t sit right with me. There is a difference between holding someone accountable and turning punishment into entertainment.
America has done public executions before. In 1936 thousands gathered in Kentucky to watch Rainey Bethea’s hanging. That was about 90 years ago. We eventually moved away from those public events, and I believe there were good reasons for doing so.
Why would we want to go backward?
Will This Actually Stop Violence?
Some argue that broadcasting an execution might scare others into thinking twice before committing murder. I understand that argument, but I’m not convinced.
Think about the September 11 attacks. Those responsible were willing to die while killing innocent people. Do we really believe watching an execution would stop someone already prepared to sacrifice their own life?
We also need to talk about mental health. Not every violent crime is caused by mental illness, and most people living with mental illness are not violent. Still, recognizing warning signs, responding to crises, and making treatment easier to access deserve more attention.
I’d rather see us livestream conversations about mental health, violence prevention, and protecting our communities than someone’s final moments.
What Message Are We Sending Our Children?
We already live in a stressful world. Families are dealing with expensive groceries, high living costs, and concerns about safety. Do we really need another graphic event spreading across social media?
Even if platforms restrict the footage, children could eventually find it. Once something reaches the internet, controlling where it goes becomes difficult.
And what about the message we’re sending to the rest of the world? America has a painful history, and we’ve spent generations trying to learn from it. I don’t believe public executions represent progress.
My Final Thoughts……
Let me be clear. I’m not defending this man’s actions, and I’m not arguing that his sentence must be overturned. Serious crimes deserve serious punishment. I understand why some people believe the death penalty is justified.
But punishment doesn’t need an audience.
If the government carries out the sentence, that’s a separate debate. My concern is the livestream. I don’t believe it will make families safer, bring victims back, or solve the deeper problems behind violence.
Again….Justice should be about accountability, not entertainment. And sometimes, just because we can show something to the world doesn’t mean we should.
