Military's archbishop criticizes plan to livestream execution

Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services has issued a formal statement condemning the Pentagon's plan to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, scheduled for December 3. The Archbishop has instructed Catholic service members assigned to the firing squad to request an exemption, citing the Catholic Church's opposition to the death penalty. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously announced that the execution would be public to demonstrate 'serious consequences' for Hasan’s 2009 attack at Fort Hood, which killed 13 people. The plan has sparked criticism from religious leaders and bipartisan members of Congress, who argue the broadcast could damage the military's reputation or serve as a terrorist recruiting tool.

Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services has issued a formal statement condemning the Pentagon's plan to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, scheduled for December 3. The Archbishop has instructed Catholic service members assigned to the firing squad to request an exemption, citing the Catholic Church's opposition to the death penalty. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously announced that the execution would be public to demonstrate 'serious consequences' for Hasan’s 2009 attack at Fort Hood, which killed 13 people. The plan has sparked criticism from religious leaders and bipartisan members of Congress, who argue the broadcast could damage the military's reputation or serve as a terrorist recruiting tool.