Fort Hood "accused" shooter will question victims?

Fort Hood shooting suspect will use 'defense of others' in own trial
By ANGELA K. BROWN
The Associated Press
Published: June 3, 2013

FORT HOOD, Texas -- The Army psychiatrist charged in the deadly 2009 Fort Hood rampage hinted Monday that he would try to justify the attack, revealing for the first time his defense strategy after a military judge said he could represent himself - and question the soldiers he is accused of shooting - during his upcoming trial.

Maj. Nidal Hasan did not elaborate when announcing he would use a "defense of others" strategy, which requires defendants to prove they were protecting other people from imminent danger. Military experts speculated that Hasan may argue he was protecting fellow Muslims in Afghanistan because soldiers were preparing to deploy from the Texas Army post.

Hasan also asked the military judge, Col. Tara Osborn, for a three-month delay to prepare his defense. The judge said she would decide that issue Tuesday, a day before jury selection was scheduled to begin.

Retired Staff Sgt. Alonzo Lunsford, who was shot seven times during the rampage in November 2009, said Monday he was upset and angry the judge was allowing Hasan the ability to question the wounded soldiers. Lunsford said he expects Hasan to try to intimidate them through mind games.

"It's a battle of wits, and he's going to lose," said Lunsford, who lost most of the sight in his left eye in the attack. "I was there. I saw what this man did. I'm living proof of what he did, but I survived. ... I'm not going to show any fear."
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