A Pentagon proposal to broadcast the execution of a convicted mass murderer via livestream is drawing scrutiny from a leading military justice scholar. Eugene Fidell of Yale Law School discussed the plan in an interview with NPR that aired Monday, October 12, 2026, at 4:35 a.m. ET.
The plan, advanced under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, would mark an unprecedented departure from longstanding practice in military executions, which have historically been carried out away from public view. Fidell, a recognized authority on military law, offered analysis of the legal and ethical dimensions of the proposal during the conversation with NPR.
The case involves a convicted mass murderer whose identity and specific crime were not detailed in the interview segment. The discussion centered on the broader implications of allowing public access to an execution through live video transmission.
Fidell's comments come as the Pentagon weighs changes to how military executions are conducted and observed. The interview was conducted by Steve Inskeep for NPR.
NPR noted in its broadcast that it does not offer or accept money for coverage or interviews, and that anyone making such an offer or request is not an NPR employee and does not represent the organization.
