Fort Hood prosecutors want to argue Hasan's motive

[August 19, 2013]  FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) -- The prosecution's murder case against the soldier accused in the 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood is nearing its end, though it's unclear how much jurors will get to hear about the shooter's alleged motives.

Maj. Nidal Hasan faces the death penalty if convicted of the massacre that left 13 dead and more than 30 wounded.

The trial against Hasan enters its third week Monday. A judge is expected to rule on prosecution requests to introduce evidence about Hasan's interest in "jihad" -- an Arabic word meaning holy war or Islamic struggle. Hasan has already told jurors he was a soldier who "switched sides."

Prosecutors have presented nearly 80 witnesses so far, including dozens of people who saw Hasan open fire on unarmed soldiers in a medical preparedness building.

[Associated Press; By MICHAEL GRACZYK and PAUL J. WEBER]

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