Speaking on CBS News' Face the Nation on Sunday, Mullin framed the broadcast as part of President Donald Trump's hardline approach to crime. "I follow President Trump. He's a commander-in chief of the country," Mullin said, crediting Trump with "restoring America values". Asked about the risk of the images being exploited, Mullin said: "I don't see an elevated risk at this point at all because of this. 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." He also dismissed concerns about broadcasting the killing of a man in a wheelchair, saying: "Once again, no one has to watch it if they don't choose to."
Hasan, a former US Army major, was sentenced to death in August 2013 after being convicted of killing 12 unarmed active-duty soldiers and a retired serviceman at Fort Hood, Texas. The attack, on November 5, 2009, at a medical facility where troops receive pre-deployment check-ups, is considered one of the deadliest mass shootings on a US military base. A further 32 people were injured, and police shot Hasan, leaving him paralysed from the waist down.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the plan to livestream the execution last week, triggering a wave of criticism. The Pope has called the death penalty "inadmissible", and US lawmakers have condemned the plan as "barbaric". Trump said on Saturday he may reconsider, telling reporters outside the White House: "There are two thoughts: Don't show it and show it. Because, you know, by showing it, maybe other people won't be doing what he did." He said he would make the final decision, knowing "what the military would like to do". The execution is scheduled for December 3.