Killeen ISD to close schools the day of Nidal Hasan execution

Officials at Killeen Independent School District have decided to close its campuses and facilities on the day Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan is scheduled to be executed, according to a district spokesperson.

Karen Rudolph, Killeen ISD’s executive director for communications, said all district schools and facilities will be closed on Dec. 3.

“Students and staff will not report to school or work that day. The closure also includes Manor Middle School, which is operated by Third Future Schools,” Rudolph said.

Rudolph announced the change to the school’s calendar in a news release to families on Thursday.

She said significant national attention and an increase in activity expected in the community of roughly 160,000 residents led to the decision to close for the day.

“With increased media presence, traffic and other activity expected in the area, district leaders believe the closure is a responsible step to help keep students and staff safe,” the release said.

The district is reviewing events and extracurricular activities scheduled for Dec. 3.

Hasan was convicted in 2013 for the November 2009 shooting at Fort Hood in which the Army major killed 13 people and wounded 32 others.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously said in October that Hasan’s execution by military firing squad would be publicly livestreamed, but a week later President Donald Trump reversed that broadcasting decision. Hasan will be the first U.S. military execution since 1961.

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