FORT HOOD, Texas — The paralysis-related health problems of the Army psychologist charged with carrying out the deadly attack on Fort Hood could significantly slow the pace of his upcoming court-martial, including delays for stretch breaks and fewer daily hours for testimony.
Major Nidal Hasan was left paralyzed from the abdomen down when police shot him during the Nov. 5, 2009, attack on the Army post in Texas that left 13 people dead and nearly three dozen wounded. If convicted, he faces execution or life in prison.
Jury selection was to begin last week. But everything was pushed back during a hearing in which the Army judge, Colonel Tara Osborn, granted Hasan’s request to represent himself.
She’s expected to rule Tuesday on his request for a three-month delay.
Hasan’s doctor said he cannot sit upright more than 12 hours a day without his concentration being affected.
The judge also is expected to discuss his ‘‘defense of others’’ strategy, which requires him to prove the shootings were necessary to protect others from imminent harm.