Updated at 2:14 pm: The AP confirms that Nidal Hasan's laywer, John Galligan, is temporarly stepping down from the case. Here's the copy straight from the wire:
FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) - The lead attorney for the man charged in the 2009 deadly rampage at Fort Hood says he is stepping down from the case temporarily. His announcement on Wednesday came shortly before Maj. Nidal Hasan's first court appearance since it was announced he'll face the death penalty. It was unclear if Hasan was going to enter a plea at his arraignment on the Texas Army post. The Army psychiatrist is charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder. Attorney John Galligan told The Associated Press he was taking a leave of absence but declined to give reasons. Galligan says he continues to believe Hasan has been treated unfairly. Hasan's defense team includes two Army attorneys.
Earlier: Nidal Hasan, the former Army psychiatrist accused of going on a shooting ramping at Fort Hood in November 2009, is scheduled to be arraigned in a military court at 2:30 this afternoon. Meanwhile, reports indicate Hasan’s lawyer, a retired Army Colonel, could soon step down as lead council.
Hasan faces 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted murder. Government prosecutors have made clear their intention to seek the death penalty.
The San Antonio Express-News reports that Hasan’s attorney, John Galligan, may quit the case. Galligan wouldn’t confirm the rumor, but he did tell the newspaper that “Whether I'm representing him in a hearing that is scheduled today or not, time will tell,” adding that “even if I'm not there today doesn't mean I'm off the case.”
Waco’s CBS affiliate, KWTX, reported that “several sources” indicated Galligan will quit.
Thirteen people were killed in the 2009 shooting. The only Central Texan to die in the attack was Mike Cahill, a civilian worker from Cameron, Texas. KUT News spoke to his familyshortly after the attack.
http://kut.org/wp-content/uploads/imported-media/web_Bernier_Fort_Hood_Cahill_Remembrance.mp3
