House Speaker Mike Johnson has urged President Donald Trump to reconsider plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, the former Army major convicted of the 2009 Fort Hood shooting. Johnson expressed concerns on Monday that broadcasting the execution by firing squad could serve as a recruitment tool for terrorists and emphasized that many of his Republican colleagues share reservations about the proposal.

"The concern would be that you would create a video that then would be a recruiting tool for future terrorists," Johnson told CBS News. He added that he intended to inform the White House about the mixed opinions among lawmakers, noting that the idea is not universally supported.

The Department of Defense’s Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, sparked controversy last week when he announced the intention to make Hasan’s execution publicly accessible. Hasan, who served as an Army psychiatrist, was sentenced to death for killing 13 people, including 12 soldiers and one civilian, and injuring 32 others during the November 2009 attack at Fort Hood, Texas.

Hegseth, speaking to conservative commentator Jack Posobiec, said the execution would be carried out by soldiers firing rifles in a method last employed by the United States during World War II. He expressed approval of that historical approach, stating, "I kind of like the mentality we had in World War II."

Vice President JD Vance, when asked about the potential broadcast, said he would not watch the livestream if it took place.

President Trump confirmed on Friday that he had "absolutely" authorized Hasan’s execution but indicated he had not yet decided whether the event would be televised. He stated that he "will make a decision ultimately" about whether the execution would be livestreamed.

The debate reflects broader concerns about security, the impact of publicizing state-sanctioned executions, and the potential consequences for counterterrorism efforts. The controversy continues to draw attention from lawmakers, military officials, and the public as the planned execution date approaches.