Hasan Sentencing Press Conference, Part 3

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

08.28.2013

Video by John Miller 

Fort Cavazos Public Affairs Office

In the court-martial of U.S. vs. Maj. Nidal M. Hasan, he was sentenced to death Aug. 28 following panel deliberations which lasted less than two hours here.
Lead prosecutor Col. Michael Mulligan provided the closing argument on sentencing on behalf of the government in this case.  Mulligan argued that Hasan “should not be punished for his religion, he should be punished for his hate.”  He went further to state that Hasan’s actions created a debt to society and this debt should be paid with his life. Hasan elected not to provide a closing argument. 
The panel also included as punishment, forfeiture of all of Hasan’s pay and allowances, dismissal from the service, and a death sentence. 
The post trial process will now begin, and the matter will initially be brought before the convening authority, the III Corps and Fort Hood Commanding General, for his review. 
Given that the death sentence was imposed, the military justice system requires this case to be automatically appealed to the U.S. Army Criminal Court of Appeals (ACCA), and then to the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF). 
While the appeal process is underway, Hasan will be incarcerated in the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
The following statements were read at an evening press conference at the request and on behalf of four families.
From: The Family of Capt. John Gaffaney:
"The family of Captain John Paul Gaffaney would like to acknowledge the expertise and fine work of our prosecution team. They have worked tirelessly and selflessly to bring this case to its necessary conclusion. The support that we have each received from our family, friends, colleagues and the greater nation, as well as the National Tragedy Assistance Program, has been enormously appreciated – as we have worked through the agony of this tragedy. Thank you all for continuing to honor and support our fallen and our wounded."
From: Melissa Czemerda – Daughter of Lt. Col. Juanita L. Warman:
"We are thankful for the just verdict that has finally been rendered. However, we are very dissatisfied with the media attention to Hasan and his extremist views. These types of murderers thrive on media attention. It promotes violence for other disturbed individuals seeking a platform for their sick and twisted views. We hope in the future the media will concentrate on the impact tragedy’s have on the survivors."
From: Jerri Krueger - Mother of Staff Sgt. Amy S. Krueger:
"We have finally come to the end of one long emotional journey. Although the pain of losing Amy will always weigh heavy upon us, we have some relief knowing that Hasan was found guilty without doubt and that he will pay for what he did."
From: Teena Nemelka and Family – Mother of Pfc. Aaron T. Nemelka:
First, I would like to thank the prosecution team for their hard work and diligence to bring Hasan to justice.  I have been much relieved that justice has been reached. We have all heard that Hasan believes with the death penalty that he will be seen as a martyr, but I know and feel that he is a coward, a traitor and a murderer. He was convicted of 13 counts of premeditated murder!! I am happy and satisfied with that. I appreciate the support and prayers from so many out there."
Gale Hunt, mother of SPC Jason ‘J.D.’ Hunt also spoke and took questions.
Family Members of Retired CW2 Michael Cahill also spoke to the media and took several questions, They were: wife Joleen Cahill, daugthers Kerry Cahill and Keely Vanacker and son James Cahill.

• Date Taken: 08.28.2013
• Date Posted: 08.29.2013 14:09
• Category: Briefings
• Video ID: 300015
• VIRIN: 130828-A-JM333-003
• Filename: DOD_100898551
• Length: 00:21:32
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US