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The Pentagon announced on Monday that Nidal Hasan, the Army psychiatrist convicted for the 2009 Fort Hood mass shooting, will be executed by firing squad. Hasan’s attack at the Texas military base left 13 people dead-including 12 soldiers and one civilian-and injured 32 others, marking it as the deadliest non-combat attack on a U.S. military installation.
Sean Parnell, assistant to the Secretary of Defense and Pentagon spokesperson, confirmed on social media that “Judgment day for Hasan has finally come.” President Donald Trump approved the execution following a recommendation from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
This execution will be the first by firing squad conducted by the U.S. military since Private Eddie Slovik was executed in 1945 for desertion during World War II. The last military execution overall took place in 1961 when Private John A. Bennett was hanged for rape and attempted murder.
Although the exact time and location of Hasan’s execution have not been disclosed, Army policy typically schedules executions within 150 days of presidential approval, with a minimum two-month waiting period. Hasan, currently 56, is held at the United States Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and is one of four inmates on death row under the Army justice system.
Hasan’s military career began at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, but his behavior raised concerns, with some describing him as “anti-American.” Prior to the shooting, the FBI investigated him but concluded he was not a threat.
On November 5, 2009, Hasan opened fire in the Soldier Readiness Center at Fort Hood, reportedly shouting “Allahu Akbar” before killing 13 and injuring more than 30 people. The attack lasted about 10 minutes and ended when Army police officer Mark Todd shot and subdued Hasan.
During his 2013 court-martial, Hasan admitted to the shooting, expressing that he believed he was protecting Muslims and the Taliban. Notably, the Army chose not to charge him with terrorism, despite the Senate labeling the incident “the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil” since 9/11.
While rare, firing squad executions have occurred in recent years. South Carolina carried out one last year, executing Brad Sigmon, who was convicted of murder. Two additional firing squad executions occurred in 2025.
The Army, in coordination with the FBI, will manage Hasan’s transfer to the federal execution facility in Terre Haute, Indiana, where several executions took place during Trump’s presidency. Army regulations allow for at least two media outlets to witness the execution. The final decision on the timing and location rests with Acting Secretary of the Army Adam Telle.