KILLEEN, Texas - Ahead of the scheduled Dec. 3 execution of convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, the Killeen Police Department is urging community members and demonstrators to prioritize public safety.

In a public safety advisory shared to the department's official Facebook page, Killeen Police Chief Pedro Lopez Jr. addressed the upcoming date by reminding the public of First Amendment protections and expectations for demonstrations.

According to KPD, officers will actively protect the rights of anyone who gathers, whether they support or oppose the death penalty, while maintaining an objective presence in the community."We respect your right to be heard, and we ask that you respect the rights and safety of others," the department stated in the Facebook release.