Jury In Fort Hood Rampage Trial Set To Deliberate

FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) — Closing arguments are set to begin in the trial of an Army psychiatrist accused in the 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood.

A military jury could then start deliberations Thursday in the case of Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, who is standing trial on charges of killing 13 people in the worst mass shooting ever on a U.S. military base.

Hasan is acting as his own attorney but forfeited the right to present a case. He called no witnesses and offered no new evidence, choosing instead to move straight to closing arguments.

Military prosecutors produced more than 700 pieces of evidence against Hasan during the 12-day trial.

Hasan said Wednesday the shooting was provoked by an "illegal war" and not done in the heat of passion.

MICHAEL GRACZYK,Associated Press
PAUL J. WEBER,Associated Press