FCC Chairman Brendan Carr says he would defer to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on whether to livestream the firing-squad execution of the Fort Hood shooter on public airwaves.
Carr, speaking on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street,” stated that the Federal Communications Commission would ultimately follow Hegseth’s lead. “Ultimately we’re going to defer to Secretary Hegseth and his decision on how to move forward with this,” he said when asked about the proposed broadcast.
Hegseth announced earlier this week that the public would be able to watch a livestream of the execution of former Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan. Hasan was convicted in 2009 of killing 13 people and injuring 31 others in a shooting at Fort Hood, Texas.
“He should face justice for that. But a public execution? Here in the United States? It’s the kind of thing Iran and the Taliban do.” Kelly also called for Hegseth’s removal from his post.
Carr noted that his understanding is the event is not planned for traditional broadcast television, which would limit any FCC role. He added that he trusts Hegseth to make appropriate decisions for the Department of War. “I think he’s doing a great job, and I trust that he’s making the right call on these issues,” Carr said.
President Donald Trump approved the firing-squad execution days earlier and said Thursday that Hasan “deserves it,” though he has not specifically addressed the livestream. Vice President JD Vance told reporters he would not watch any potential livestream, describing Hasan’s attack as “the worst terrorist attack on American soil outside of 9/11.” Vance expressed uncertainty about whether a livestream would occur, saying he expected the execution to take place in December.
Carr noted that his understanding is the event is not planned for traditional broadcast television, which would limit any FCC role. He added that he trusts Hegseth to make appropriate decisions for the Department of War. “I think he’s doing a great job, and I trust that he’s making the right call on these issues,” Carr said.
President Donald Trump approved the firing-squad execution days earlier and said Thursday that Hasan “deserves it,” though he has not specifically addressed the livestream. Vice President JD Vance told reporters he would not watch any potential livestream, describing Hasan’s attack as “the worst terrorist attack on American soil outside of 9/11.” Vance expressed uncertainty about whether a livestream would occur, saying he expected the execution to take place in December.