DHS secretary defends livestream of Fort Hood shooter’s execution, says he doesn’t see an “elevated risk” to U.S.

October 11, 2026 / 1:41 PM EDT / CBS News

Washington — Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Sunday defended the Pentagon's plan to livestream the execution of an ex-Army major who was convicted of the 2009 killing of 13 people at Fort Hood, while saying that he doesn't see an "elevated risk" to U.S. security amid criticism.

"I think people need to understand, if you attack America, we will come after you and we will make sure that the punishment fits the crime," Mullin said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week that the Pentagon planned to publicly livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, who is set to die by firing squad on Dec. 3 in what will be the first military execution since 1961. The announcement sparked intense criticism, including from some Republicans, like Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who urged the Pentagon to reverse the "gruesome decision," saying there is "no need to livestream any execution, including this one."

"I would expect this from terrorists and dictators, but not here in America," Murkowski wrote in a post on X. "It would give this individual, who deserves no further…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/