By Patrick F. Cannon
Major Nidal Malik Hasan was convicted by court martial of killing 13 and wounding 32 others in 2009 at Fort Hood, Texas. He is scheduled to be executed on December 3. The Pentagon – you can substitute Secretary of “War” Pete Hegseth for “Pentagon” – has decided the major will die by firing squad, and in public.
If history is any guide, Hasan’s lawyers may seek to delay the execution with a writ of habeas corpus or other legal maneuvering. If not, and the execution takes place as scheduled, there is not a moment to lose in planning for this unique event. The last military execution was in April 1961 at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, the location of the Army’s maximum-security prison. Private John A. Bennett was hanged there for raping and attempting to murder an 11-year-old girl in Austria. Major Hasan is one of four current inhabitants of death row at the fort. Normally, executions would be held there, but in a stroke of genius Hegseth has decided to move it to the scene of the crime, Fort Hood.
The fort covers 340 square miles, so space will not be an issue. As it happens, I’ve been there and can confirm that abundant room exists for the festivities. I see it laid out much like a golf tournament (President Trump can provide expertise here), with plenty of room for grandstands, food and souvenir stands, sponsor hospitality tents and parking. Speaking of sponsors, a title sponsor must be a priority!
There are any number of candidates. Major defense contractors like Boing, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics come to mind. Another possibility would be Sig Sauuer, the supplier of the Army’s current standard issue rifle, particularly if the firing squad will use them. In addition to the main title, sponsorships could also be sold to beer, soft drink, fast food, and car companies. I would think Fox would be the logical choice for providing the live television feed to a waiting world.
As to the execution itself, I see a large field surrounded by temporary stands, seating perhaps 25,000 paying customers and Republican donors. At one end of the field there would be a post, to which Major Hasan would be tied. While of course subject to the approval of Secretary Hegseth and President Trump, the officer commanding the firing squad could be the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General Dan Caine. Behind the firing squad as official witnesses could be Vice Peesident Vance, the president’s cabinet, the leaders of the Congress and Elon Musk.
The usual traditions and niceties should be upheld. Although smoking is otherwise unacceptable, perhaps the major could be offered one last drag? Or perhaps one last swig of whiskey (I see a sponsorship opportunity here)? And General Caine should certainly offer to blindfold the condemned.
Although there will be only one target, I think the firing squad might consist of six. The soldiers with the highest testosterone levels might be chosen for this honor. Secretary Hegseth sets great store by this gauge of manhood, so this would be one way to reward his manliest warriors.
With six sharpshooters aiming at him, Major Hasan is unlikely to survive the fusillade, but it is traditional for someone to insure death by putting another bullet in the victim’s head. It’s called the “coup de grace,” and I’m sure President Trump would be happy to perform this traditional ritual.
Copyright 2026, Patrick F. Cannon
