The head of Homeland Security couldn’t muster a good answer when asked about the risk of turning the Fort Hood shooter into a “martyr” if his public execution goes forward.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin skirted around CBS anchor Margaret Brennan’s questions when asked if the administration had considered how livestreaming convicted murderer Nidal Hasan’s death by firing squad could backfire during his Sunday appearance on “Face the Nation.”

“No one has to watch it,” Mullin said. “But for me to have sympathy for anybody that killed 13 service members, and a scumbag like this that’s a psycho who was supposed to be a psychiatrist, I have no feelings towards him. At all.”

“I’m not asking you about him,” Brennan replied. “I’m asking about the livestreaming and the risk that could be created by it.”

“Listen, once again, no one has to watch it if they don’t choose to,” Mullin said, again avoiding the question.

BRENNAN: Nidal Hasan is in a wheelchair. Doesn't the administration risk livestreaming this and making him a martyr? Couldn't this be a risk to the homeland?MARKWAYNE MULLIN: No one has to watch itBRENNAN: Well then why are you livestreaming it?MULLIN: The president is… pic.twitter.com/bjuKuvKTU6

Trying a more direct approach, Brennan simply asked, “Why livestream it?”

Mullin said it was all about taking his boss’ lead, explaining, “I follow President Trump. He’s a commander in chief of the country and he does a phenomenal job. He leads this country with a very, very, very direct, forward, straight hand and he’s restoring America’s values and bringing where America should be back in line with what we want.”

Though the president said he wasn’t involved in the plan to livestream Hasan’s death by firing squad during a Friday interview, he said he approved of the idea and “ultimately” he’ll be the one who decides whether or not to go through with the public execution.

“He was vicious. He was violent,” Trump later told reporters on Saturday. “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. So I’ll make a decision ultimately. I know what the military would like to do, but we’ll make a decision.”

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.