Representative Jason Crow told MS NOW’s Deadline on Friday that public executions would make the United States comparable to ISIS, al-Qaeda, and Russia.

He directed the remark at Pete Hegseth, saying the shooter committed a horrific act that warrants life imprisonment and justice for victims. Crow rejected the notion of defeating opponents by imitating their tactics and called that view un-American, insisting the country must instead set a superior standard.

Crow added that military leaders should model ethics through quiet competence and effective protection of Americans rather than public spectacles. He warned that broadcasting an execution would diminish national strength at home and abroad.