Military Justice: First Execution Since 1961

U.s.,Sailors,And,Marines,Assigned,To,The,Amphibious,Assault,Ship

After 16 years of legal delays, the War Department is finally seeking President Trump’s approval to execute Fort Hood terrorist Nidal Hasan, marking what would be the first U.S. military execution since 1961.

Story Highlights

Pentagon requests Trump’s approval for Hasan’s execution after exhausting all appeals
Would be first military execution in over 60 years since Army Private John A. Bennett in 1961
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth commits to carrying out death penalty for “savage terrorist”
Hasan killed 13 and wounded 32 in 2009 Fort Hood massacre, sentenced to death in 2013

Justice Delayed for 16 Years Finally Moving Forward

The War Department is advancing its formal request to President Trump for approval to execute Major Nidal Hasan, the convicted Fort Hood shooter who murdered 13 people and wounded 32 others in November 2009. This historic move comes after Hasan’s final legal appeal was rejected in April 2025, clearing the last procedural hurdle for carrying out the death sentence that has been delayed for over a decade.

The 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood by Nidal Hasan was NOT workplace violence, @BarackObama. https://t.co/IsdxdMft2d

— GramCracker (@ReideShale) September 25, 2025

Hegseth Declares Commitment to Military Justice

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has publicly declared his unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for the Fort Hood victims. “I am 100 percent committed to ensuring the death penalty is carried out for Nidal Hasan. This savage terrorist deserves the harshest lawful punishment for his 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood. The victims and survivors deserve justice without delays,” Hegseth stated. This strong stance signals the Trump administration’s determination to restore accountability to military justice after years of bureaucratic delays.

Historic Precedent After Six Decades

If approved by President Trump, Hasan’s execution would mark the first U.S. military execution since Army Private John A. Bennett was executed in 1961. The Uniform Code of Military Justice requires presidential approval for all military executions, giving Trump the final authority in this case. The rarity of military capital punishment underscores the exceptional nature of Hasan’s crimes and the significance of this decision for military discipline and deterrence.

Long-Overdue Justice for Terror Attack

Hasan’s 2009 rampage at Fort Hood represented one of the deadliest mass shootings on a U.S. military installation. The Army psychiatrist, who had become radicalized and openly opposed U.S. military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, systematically targeted American servicemembers preparing for deployment. Despite the clear ideological motivation, the Obama administration controversially classified the attack as “workplace violence” rather than terrorism, denying victims proper recognition and benefits for years.

The Trump administration’s move to finally execute Hasan represents a restoration of common sense to military justice and national security policy. After 16 years of legal proceedings and appeals, the families of the 13 murdered servicemembers and the 32 wounded survivors deserve to see justice served. This decision will also send a clear message that attacks on American military personnel will face the ultimate consequence under military law.