Brendan Carr hands decision on airing public execution to Pete Hegseth.

FCC chairman Brendan Carr has stated that he will rely on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to determine if TV networks can broadcast the upcoming execution of convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan by firing squad. The Pentagon has indicated that the execution will be livestreamed, likely on a platform outside the FCC’s control. However, it’s typical for broadcast networks to show live footage of government events, and Carr’s agency does oversee public airwaves.

In a recent interview, Carr noted, “My understanding is it’s not on broadcast TV, so I don’t think there’s a role for the FCC one way or the other. But I trust Secretary Hegseth. He’s implemented the laws and regulations relevant to the Department of War, and I think he’s doing a great job, and I trust that he’s making the right call on these issues.”

When asked if the execution could be aired on broadcast TV if the Defense Department wished, Carr emphasized that it would ultimately be Hegseth’s decision. “Ultimately we’re going to defer to Secretary Hegseth and his decisions on how to move forward with this,” he stated.

Major tech companies have been approached regarding whether they will permit the execution livestream on their platforms. As of now, there has been no response from YouTube, Twitch, Meta, or X.