Fort Hood Shooter Major Nidal Hasan Wants To Represent Himself At Trial

Accused Fort Hood shooter Maj. Nidal Hasan on Wednesday requested permission to fire his court-appointed attorneys and represent himself at his court martial.

Hasan, who is charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder after a November 5, 2009 shooting spree on base, would be allowed to question and cross examine witnesses at his trial, including his alleged victims. Military law states that if Hasan is deemed competent and is aware of the potential disadvantages of self-representation, he is within his rights to act as his own counsel. Hasan will have to convince presiding judge Col. Tara Osborn of his competency.

Osborn has delayed jury selection in the case until June 5 in response to Hasan’s request. Hasan has filed letters stating his desire to plead guilty to all charges against him, but a guilty plea is not an option as the government seeks the death penalty in the case.