FORT HOOD, Texas — The military judge overseeing the trial of an Army psychiatrist charged in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting rampage may not allow him to claim that he killed to defend Taliban leaders, military specialists said Wednesday. And such a decision could lead to even more delays in a case that's already dragged on for years.
Major Nidal Hasan revealed this week that he would use a ''defense of others'' strategy at his trial. Such a strategy requires him to prove the shootings were necessary to protect others from imminent harm or death. Hasan told the judge that US troops deploying from the Texas Army post posed an immediate danger to Taliban fighters.
The judge, Colonel Tara Osborn, is to discuss Tuesday whether Hasan has the evidence to use the ''defense of others'' claim and rule if Hasan will get a three-month delay to prepare for that defense.
Lisa M. Windsor, a retired Army colonel and former judge advocate, said the judge may allow it but tell jurors to disregard Hasan's argument, because ''it doesn't have to be a good defense. It has to be a plausible defense.''
It's unclear when jury selection will begin. It had been scheduled to start this week.