Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin sparked backlash Sunday with his “America’s values” defense of the proposed livestream of the firing-squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan.
During an appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” moderator Margaret Brennan pressed Mullin on the potential national security risk that could be created by broadcasting the execution.
“Hasan’s in a wheelchair. Doesn’t the administration risk livestreaming this and making him a martyr to his cause?” Brennan asked Mullin, adding: “Couldn’t this be a risk to the homeland?”
Mullin dodged the question, and Brennan’s subsequent pressing, instead saying, “No one has to watch it if they don’t choose to.”
President Donald Trump has said he approves of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s announcement of the planned livestream but will “ultimately” decide on whether it will be broadcast.
Mullin told Brennan, “I follow President Trump [...]. He leads this country with a very, very, very direct, forward, straight hand, and he’s restoring America values and bringing where America should be back in line with what we want.”
His “America values” remark quickly drew condemnation online.
“Some American value - a televised snuff film of an execution by firing squad of a horrible killer in a wheelchair. Wow. Some value...” wrote tennis legend Martina Navratilova on X.
Others agreed: