A group of 72 retired US generals, admirals, and other high-ranking military officers are urging the US government to cancel plans to livestream an execution by firing squad. In an open letter, they stated, "We ask the President, our Congressional representatives, and our fellow citizens to act to prevent this barbaric abuse of authority." They argued that the livestream would turn the mass killer into a "martyr."

Background

Last week, the Pentagon announced it would publicly show the 3 December execution of Nidal Hasan, an Army psychiatrist who killed 13 unarmed US soldiers at the Fort Hood military base. This announcement has drawn criticism from lawmakers across both parties and religious leaders.

Political Reactions

While President Donald Trump expressed his approval of the livestream plan, some administration officials are reportedly leaning against it, according to CBS News, the BBC's US media partner. As of Tuesday, Trump had not made a final decision regarding the livestream.

Concerns Raised by Military Leaders

In their letter, the former military leaders—comprising 45 generals, 12 admirals, and several former judge advocates general—asserted that they do not oppose the death penalty itself. However, they contend that a public execution would violate the US Constitution's protections against cruel and unusual punishment, transforming what should be a "solemn and grave punishment" into "a carnival for the enjoyment of voyeurs and spectators."