US military shooting suspect, his defense at odds

FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) — Defense attorneys ordered to help the U.S. Army psychiatrist charged in the deadly 2009 shooting rampage at a military base say it would be unethical to give him their legal advice while he represents himself at his upcoming murder trial.

Maj. Nidal Hasan, a U.S.-born Muslim, faces the death penalty or life without parole if convicted in the rampage that left 13 dead and nearly three dozen wounded.

After allowing Hasan to serve as his own attorney, the Army judge last week said his former attorneys would stand by and help him if he requests it.

On Tuesday, former lead defense attorney Lt. Col. Kris Poppe said complying with the judge's order would be unethical because it seems to have no limits and requires the attorneys to give legal opinions in addition to doing research.

Hasan told the judge that the three attorneys refused to give their opinions when he asked what evidence and witnesses would best help his case.

Hasan wants to pursue a "defense of others" strategy, which would require him to prove that the shootings were necessary to prevent the immediate harm or death of others. Hasan has said he shot U.S. troops on the Texas Army post to protect Taliban leaders in Afghanistan.

The judge had asked Hasan for more information, including a legal basis and any evidence to support his strategy.

It's unclear when the judge will rule on whether to allow Hasan's defense strategy or on his request for a three-month trial delay.