Retired US military officers urge government to cancel livestream of Fort Hood shooter's execution

A group of 72 retired US generals, admirals, and other high-ranking military officers wrote an open letter to the US government on Wednesday, urging it to cancel the planned livestream of the execution of Nidal Hasan, the Fort Hood shooter. The letter argues that executing Hasan in such a public manner could turn him into a martyr, violate the US Constitution's protections against cruel and unusual punishment, and turn what should be a solemn and grave punishment into a carnival for voyeurs. The retired officials wrote that the exploitative broadcasting would taint the honor of the military and the nation, and would be used by enemies to stoke hatred and harm American soldiers. The letter follows reports that President Donald Trump is wavering on whether to livestream the execution after learning that Hasan is paralyzed from the waist down and uses a wheelchair. Trump told reporters he is considering both options, noting that showing the execution might deter others. The Pentagon is reportedly reevaluating the plans, and footage may be cut before shots are fired. Hasan was sentenced to death in 2013 for killing 13 people and wounding 31 in a 2009 shooting spree at Fort Hood.