Hasan May Plead Insanity: Lawyer

Not-guilty plea likely in Fort Hood shooting
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Nov 23, 2009 8:39 PM CST
Hasan May Plead Insanity: Lawyer
Nidal Malik Hasan is seen in a 2000 photo   (AP Photo)

Maj. Nidal Hasan, the Army psychiatrist accused of killing 13 people in a shooting spree at Fort Hood, Texas, will likely plead not guilty to the charges against him and may use an insanity defense at his military trial, his attorney said today. John Galligan, the civilian attorney for Hasan, said he is considering an insanity defense among other options, but that it's too early to determine his defense strategy.

"Based on the evidence thus far, his mental status must be raised," Galligan said. "Anybody who allegedly engages in conduct that is completely contradictory to his lifestyle and military career—an insanity defense has to be considered." (More John Galligan stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X