US Homeland Security secretary sees no ‘risk’ from livestreamed execution

The decision to livestream Nidal Hasan’s execution has triggered harsh criticism and warnings that it could encourage radicalisation. Save Share United States Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has defended the planned livestreaming of Nidal Hasan’s execution, playing down warnings that images of his death by firing squad might be used as a propaganda tool for violent groups. In an interview on Sunday with the CBS News show Face the Nation, Mullin framed the decision as part of President Donald Trump’s hardline approach to crime. “I follow President Trump. He’s a commander-in chief of the country,” Mullin said, crediting the Republican leader with “restoring America values”. Mullin also brushed aside concerns that the images of Hasan’s execution could be leveraged against the US. “I don’t see an elevated risk at this point at all because of this,” Mullin said. “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.” Hasan, a former US Army major, wassentenced to deathin August 2013 after being convicted of shooting and killing 12 unarmed active-duty soldiers and a retired serviceman at the Fort Hood military base in Texas. The attack took place on November 5, 2009, when Hasan opened fire in a medical facility on the base where service members receive routine check-ups before deployment. The incident is considered one of the deadliest mass shootings to take place on a US military base. Another 32 people were injured in the shooting. In the process of responding to the attack, police on the military base shot Hasan, leaving him paralysed from the waist down. Critics have questioned the optics of broadcasting a firing squad killing of a man in a wheelchair. The livestreamed execution is scheduled for December 3. But Mullin dismissed those concerns, arguing that viewership is optional. “Once again, no one has to watch it if they don’t choose to,” Mullin said. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had announced plans last week to livestream the upcoming execution, triggering a wave of criticism. But Trump on Saturday suggested he may reconsider the decision. “There are two thoughts: Don’t show it and show it. Because, you know, by showing it, maybe other people won’t be doing what he did,” Trump told reporters outside the White House. “So I’ll make a decision, ultimately. I know what the military would like to do, but we’ll make a decision....