Judge: Alleged Ft. Hood shooter may represent himself at trial

Military judge Col. Tara Osborn ruled Monday that and former Army psychiatrist alleged Ft. Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, 42, may represent himself during his upcoming murder trial.

The Associated Press noted that judge's ruling does not trigger the exit of Hasan's military lawyers, who will remain attached to the case in the event that he requests their help.

A doctor who testified Monday said that he's physically capable of sustaining his own legal defense, despite his status as a paraplegic.

Hasan was shot multiple times during a gun battle with police in 2009, and he also shot himself in the head at close range. He faces 13 counts of murder and a potential death sentence.

Hasan has already tried to enter a plea of guilty, but the judge refused to accept it. Military law does not permit guilty pleas in death penalty cases.

Jury selection in his military trial begins Wednesday.

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[Photo: NBC affiliate KXAS-TV.]