Maj. Nidal Hasan was sentenced to death for his 2009 shooting spree at Fort Hood after mounting barely any defense while representing himself.
Some posit that Hasan seeks to be a martyr, which is why he represented himself and did not call witness, give a testimony, or make any statements other than taking responsibility for the shooting. He admitted to his guilt, saying that he was a soldier who switched sides, and that he wanted to protect Islamic insurgents abroad. He had tried to plead guilty before the trial started but was unable to do so.
Hasan has been accused of seeking the death sentence, but his former attorney said that he doesn’t have a death wish. It is hard to believe that he does not, however, after choosing to represent himself and not mounting any sort of defense.
The military justice system has a lengthy appeals process, so it may be years or decades before Hasan is put to death, if the sentence stands.
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