Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) is expressing appreciation to President Donald Trump following the decision not to move forward with plans to publicly live-stream the execution of Nidal Hasan, the former U.S. Army psychiatrist convicted in the 2009 Fort Hood mass shooting. Maher personally reached out to members of the Trump administration to express his concerns about the proposed broadcast, emphasizing the importance of upholding America’s moral principles and ensuring justice is carried out with dignity.

In a letter to President Trump, Maher thanked the administration for its decision and outlined his concerns about the potential consequences of broadcasting an execution to audiences around the world. Drawing on his Catholic faith and recent military deployment to the Middle East and East Africa, Maher argued that turning an execution into a public spectacle would undermine the values that have long defined the United States.

“When I learned of the plans to broadcast this execution publicly, I felt compelled to speak up and personally reached out to members of President Trump’s administration to share my concerns,” said Maher. “As a practicing Catholic and someone who has proudly served our country, I believe justice must be firm and decisive, but it should never become a public spectacle. I am grateful that President Trump and his administration ultimately chose not to move forward with the broadcast. This was the right decision for our country and the principles we stand for.”

In his letter, Maher emphasized that the families of the victims deserve justice, but broadcasting the execution would do little to honor their loved ones or provide meaningful closure. He also raised concerns that extremist organizations could exploit footage of the execution for propaganda and recruitment, potentially undermining American interests and putting service members overseas at greater risk.

Maher further questioned the strategic purpose of a televised execution, drawing on a lesson from his military service: Always ask, “What is the mission?” He argued that a public broadcast would accomplish no meaningful national security objective and could instead damage America’s standing as a nation committed to justice and the rule of law.

“America has long been a beacon of justice and a moral leader throughout the world,” Maher continued. “Our strength comes not only from our military capabilities but from the values and principles we uphold, even in the most difficult circumstances. Turning an execution into a public spectacle would have sent the wrong message to the world, and I am thankful that those concerns were recognized.”

Maher concluded his letter by thanking the president for the decision and reiterating that justice should remain solemn, firm and grounded in the rule of law.

“Justice does not require a camera crew, a live feed or a public spectacle,” Maher concluded. “I appreciate President Trump’s decision not to proceed with this broadcast and am thankful that I had the opportunity to share my perspective with members of his administration. This decision reflects the moral courage and dignity that should continue to guide our nation.”