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Fort Hood suspect faces death penalty
Former military psychiatrist to be tried in a military court over shooting incident in 2009 that left 13 people dead.
Last Modified: 06 Jul 2011 23:21
Hasan faces 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder [GALLO/GETTY]

Major Nidal Hasan, the former military psychiatrist charged over a deadly shooting spree at Fort Hood in Texas in 2009, is to be court-martialed and faces a death penalty if found guilty.

Fort Hood's commanding general announced the decision on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old faces 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder for the November 2009 rampage at the military base.

Hasan will next appear in a Fort Hood courtroom for an arraignment and could enter a plea.

Hasan's lead lawyer, John Galligan, had urged the commanding general not to seek the death penalty, saying such cases were more costly, time consuming and restrictive.

Two army colonels previously recommended that Hasan be tried in a military court and should face the death penalty.
Source:
Agencies
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