Since the trial began there has been speculation about what sort of defense Maj. Nidal Hasan would mount as he acted as his own attorney as he is accused of murder for the mass shooting at Ft. Hood; Hasan decided to mount no defense by announcing that the defense rests before calling any witnesses, according to Reuters.
Hasan is accused of killing 13 people and wounding 31 others in the 2009 shooting rampage at an on-base Soldier Readiness Processing Center. It took four years for the case to finally come to trial as it was subject to multiple delays including one over whether or not Hasan would have to shave off his beard prior to the trial since it was against military regulations.
"You have the absolute right to remain silent," judge Col. Tara Osborn told Hasan after he announced that the defense rests. "You do not have to say anything. You have the right to testify if you choose. Understand?"
Hasan confirmed that he did. Going into the trial there was a great deal of speculation about how Hasan would handle questioning the victims that he allegedly shot on the stand. Instead Hasan ended up being almost entirely silent for the trial. Of the 89 witnesses presented by the prosecution Hasan cross-examined only a couple, according to ABC News.
During his opening statement Hasan, an American born Muslim of Palestinian descent, said that he was the shooter and that the actions of the American military had forced him to switch sides in the war, according to ABC News.
"We mujahedeen are imperfect soldiers trying to form a perfect religion," Hasan said in his opening statement. "I apologize for any mistakes I made in this endeavor."
Victor Hansen, a law professor at New England Law Boston, told USA Today that given the complete lack of defense given by Hasan a quick verdict is expected once closing statements are made.
"It's hard to imagine any surprises at this point," Hansen said. "There's just not a lot of counter evidence for the jury to chew on."
After the defense rested court was adjourned for the day so that closing statements could be prepared.
Hasan had wanted to plead guilty but military regulations forbid a defendant from pleading guilty in capital cases.
