A former United States Army sergeant who survived the tragic 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood has expressed his backing for the military execution of the gunman, though he has reservations about plans to broadcast the event to the general public.
Alonzo Lunsford, who sustained seven gunshot wounds during the attack, stated in a recent interview that capital punishment by firing squad is entirely appropriate for Nidal Hasan. Hasan, a former Army psychiatrist, opened fire inside a medical facility on the military installation, killing 13 unarmed soldiers.
The Pentagon recently announced that Hasan would face execution via firing squad, marking what would be the first military execution in more than sixty years. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the event would be accessible to the public via livestream, arguing that it is vital for citizens to witness the severe consequences of such violent crimes. Legal professionals have noted, however, that significant procedural and legal obstacles could prevent the broadcast from moving forward.
While Lunsford feels the chosen method fits the severity of the offense and spares the killer from softer alternatives like lethal injection, he questions the wisdom of a public broadcast. He noted that the footage should not be treated as entertainment or transmitted widely to younger audiences without censorship. At the same time, he asserted that survivors, along with the families of the victims and the fallen soldiers, should have the opportunity to watch the proceedings.
Lunsford shared his intention to attend the execution in person. He explained that he wants the perpetrator to lock eyes with him right before the end so the shooter realizes he failed to destroy the lives of everyone he targeted.
Recalling the events of November 5, 2009, Lunsford described how the assailant stood up from a desk, climbed onto a counter, and began firing in an area where military personnel were not carrying weapons. After being hit multiple times while trying to escape, Lunsford survived by playing dead before later helping another wounded individual outside. He also recounted harrowing memories from the day, including the final moments of a pregnant victim who pleaded for her unborn child.
Despite his lingering trauma and firm stance on justice, Lunsford emphasized that he has personally chosen to forgive the gunman out of a necessity for his own emotional healing. He added that he holds no sympathy for the convicted killer, rejecting claims that the attack was tied to religious justifications.
The announcement of the livestreamed firing squad has drawn broader reactions beyond the military community. Several lawmakers have voiced strong opposition, with critics comparing public executions to the practices of authoritarian regimes, while others condemned the plan outright. Legal analysts continue to review the unprecedented directive, suggesting that court challenges could alter how the sentence is ultimately carried out.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.
