The complaint names Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the department as defendants. It says the plaintiff could be exposed to graphic footage through clips shared on social media, even if they avoid watching an official broadcast, and seeks a court order blocking both the livestream and the release of video.

The filing describes the anticipated exposure as a risk of “emotional distress, psychological harm, and trauma.” The plaintiff’s identity was not provided in the available court filing details.

Hegseth has said a firing squad would carry out the execution. If it proceeds, it would be the first U.S. execution by firing squad since World War II. President Donald Trump has voiced support for the execution and method but has not said whether he would approve a livestream. Vice President J.D. Vance has expressed uncertainty that a broadcast will happen.

The lawsuit faces a significant legal hurdle. Villanova University law professor Brenner Fissell told The Associated Press he was unsure whether anyone other than Hasan would have legal standing to challenge the plan.

Concerns about the spread and impact of violent imagery have also surfaced beyond the courtroom. A 2014 study of journalists who regularly encountered disturbing online material found that more frequent exposure was associated with multiple measures of psychological distress. The Jed Foundation has warned that violent videos can appear unexpectedly in social media feeds.

The filing comes amid broader debate over whether making a state execution available online would serve a public purpose or amplify graphic violence. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said some lawmakers worry the footage could become a recruitment tool for terrorists.