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Politics · Defense & national security · published 2026-10-09 · via NOTUS/The Guardian

Troops Seek Exemptions From Planned Livestreamed Military Execution

Image via NOTUS/The Guardian
Image via NOTUS/The Guardian

Some U.S. service members are seeking religious exemptions to avoid participating in the scheduled execution of Nidal Mikal Hasan at Fort Hood. A religious freedom group said six soldiers have already come forward, with as many as 180 expected to request accommodations. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the December execution will be livestreamed publicly.

Expanded Detail

Hasan killed 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009. His execution is scheduled there Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. Central. President Trump approved the sentence Oct. 2, and Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle signed Monday's order. It cites Army Regulation 190-55, which does not address firing-squad selection, voluntariness, identity protection, or livestreaming.

The Military Religious Freedom Foundation's Michael L. Weinstein said six soldiers are preparing to seek preliminary religious exemptions; he expects 120 to 180 requests. Two are Catholic, four Protestant. Four had early indications they might be eligible for the squad. Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Steven Lepper said troops have little legal recourse to refuse a specific duty. Lawmakers in both parties have criticized the broadcast.

Context

The dispute may affect service members asked to serve on the squad, their families, and commanders weighing orders against religious objections. A public livestream could intensify national debate over capital punishment and military protocol, while exemption requests may shape how

Expanded detail and Context are AI-generated analysis; the linked article remains the authoritative source.
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This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Soldiers Are Already Looking for a Way Out of Hegseth’s Livestreamed Firing Squad.” Browse more stories.