1st court appearance for Fort Hood shooting suspect

A military court hearing has begun for the Army psychiatrist accused of gunning down 13 people at Fort Hood, and his defense attorney is likely to seek a delay.

Maj. Nidal Hasan made his first courtroom appearance Tuesday, but wasn’t expected to speak at the hearing. Military prosecutors and defense attorneys instead were to discuss case preparations.

Defense attorney John Galligan says he’ll seek to delay Hasan’s Article 32 hearing. That’s similar to a civilian grand jury proceeding in which a judge hears witness testimony to determine whether the case should go to trial.

Authorities have said it could be held as early as July 1.

Galligan says the hearing shouldn’t go on before Oct. 1 because he still needs key case documents.