Fort Hood shooting suspect charged with 13 murders

He has been charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder,officials said.

Hasan will be tried in the military’s court-martial system and prosecutors are likely seek the death penalty.

Reports have surfaced about possible communications he may have had with terrorist groups,fear of his imminent deployment to the war in Afghanistan and potential psychiatric problems,but authorities working on the case have declined to confirm or comment on motive theories.

The US-born military psychiatrist,who was shot several times in exchange of fire,survived the rampage and is being guarded at a hospital in San Antonio.

Out of coma,he has been talking to investigators probing the motives behind his actions. Earlier this week,doctors said Hasan is in serious condition but is awake and talking.

Hasan is accused of firing about 100 rounds at fellow soldiers filling out deployment paperwork before civilian police officers shot him and stopped the attack.

US media reports yesterday,citing unnamed military officials,said the doctors that reviewed Hasan a year ago held a series of meetings where they discussed problems with his performance and mental state.

Colleagues described Hasan as aloof,belligerent and frequently argumentative when discussing his Muslim faith,and some wondered if he was “psychotic.”

The officials decided against seeking his removal because they did not believe him to be violent and they thought his transfer to Fort Hood in July would help lessen his workload.

US President Barack Obama,who paid tribute to the 13 victims on Tuesday at a memorial service here,vowed that the “killer will be met with justice.”