Mullin says livestreaming Hasan execution aligns with Trump ‘restoring American values’

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin arrives for a Congressional tribute for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin stood behind the Trump administration’s decision to livestream the military execution of convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, despite growing bipartisan criticism over the plan.

In an interview with CBS News’s “Face the Nation” on Sunday, Mullin dismissed concerns coming from across party lines that publicizing Hasan’s death by firing squad could inspire extremists or turn the convicted mass murderer into a martyr.

“First of all, no one has to watch it,” Mullin said when asked whether livestreaming the execution in Texas could pose a threat to national security.

Pressed on why Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would move to broadcast the execution, Mullin pointed to President Trump’s leadership.

“I follow President Trump. He’s a commander in chief of the country, and he does a phenomenal job,” Mullin said. “He leads this country with a very, very, very direct, forward, straight hand, and he’s restoring American values.”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) urged the Pentagon chief Friday to reverse the decision, warning that livestreaming the execution could bolster his notoriety and fulfill his wish for martyrdom.

“There is no need to livestream any execution, including this one,” Murkowski wrote on social media Friday. “I would expect this from terrorists and dictators, but not here in America.”

CBS News host Margaret Brennan pressed Mullin on Murkowski’s warning, as well as concern from Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer (N.D) who said the livestream could potentially fuel radicalization.

The DHS leader replied by saying he did not believe the move posed an increased security threat.

“I don’t see an elevated risk at this point at all because of this,” he said. “I think people need to understand, if you attack America, we will come after you, and we will make sure that the punishment fits the crime.”

“I have no sympathy for him, and I give absolutely zero thought to the way that this man dies,” Mullin added.

Trump told reporters Saturday that he will “make a decision ultimately” on whether to go through with the livestream and has said he “absolutely” approves of the execution.

Hasan, a former Army psychiatrist, killed 13 people and wounded more than 30 others in a 2009 shooting at Fort Hood in Texas. He was convicted in 2013 of 45 counts of premeditated and attempted murder and sentenced to death.

His execution, scheduled for Dec. 3, will mark the first military execution in more than six decades.