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Witness describes taking Hasan down in Fort Hood massacre

FORT HOOD, Texas, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- A police officer testified Friday about the gun battle in which accused killer Maj. Nidal Hasan was shot, ending the November 2009 massacre at Fort Hood, Texas.

Hasan, 42, is charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder in the massacre.

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In testimony at Hasan's court-martial, Kimberly Munley described her involvement in the chaotic scene with fellow police officer, Sgt. Mark Todd, as she ran toward the sound of gunfire and saw Hasan firing as Todd ordered him to drop his weapon, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Munley said she backed away but Hasan came within about 8 feet of her and the two "began to blindly exchange fire."

Munley -- who was shot in the right hand, left thigh and left kneecap -- said she tried to fire at Hasan as she lay on the ground and he charged at her but her gun jammed.

"I saw him standing over me, trying to fire," she said -- but Hasan's gun also jammed just before Todd shot and wounded him.

Munley's testimony came eight days into the presentation of the prosecution's case against Hasan, who was paralyzed from the chest down when Todd shot him.

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Witnesses have described Hasan's behavior in the lead-up to the massacre, and some of the wounded have testified about being shot and seeing others shot during the carnage. Forensic experts testified some of the victims were shot even after they were wounded and on the ground -- including one victim shot a dozen times.

Col. Tara Osborn, the judge hearing the court-martial, considered several attorneys requests following Friday's testimony, including a request by a civil attorney representing victims that they be permitted to speak publicly following their testimony. The judge -- who has cautioned witnesses not to speak publicly until after the court-martial -- denied the request, the Times said.

The court-martial is to resume Monday at 9 a.m. CDT.

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