Victim reacts to Hasan's death sentence

LILLINGTON, N.C.

The American-born Muslim, who has said he acted to protect Islamic insurgents abroad from American aggression, never denied killing 13 people and wounding more than 30 others at the Texas military base. Because he didn't dispute the allegations - and put up nearly no defense - the trial has been primarily a pursuit of the death penalty.

The death sentence is not bringing much closure for one of Hasan's victims.

Alonzo Lunsford lives in Lillington. He was shot seven times, and he still has a bullet lodged in his back.

Lunsford was in Los Angeles when he heard the news of Hasan's sentencing. He says he and other survivors were not allowed to attend Wednesday's sentencing hearing at Fort Hood, and that he says is unfair.

Lunsford is one of 32 wounded survivors in the Fort Hood massacre. Aside from his wounds, Lunsford is also being treated for PTSD. He says the death penalty is justified, but he says it doesn't bring closure.

"When we are dealing with the death penalty, it should not have to be where he waits 26 years like the other person that is on death row," said Lunsford. "Where now we need to go ahead, and put down the sword of justice swiftly. To add to that for the people that was in command of him is to simply say 'We are sorry we dropped the ball. This will happen again.'"

Lunsford says because the government called the shooting workplace violence instead of an act of war, he and other survivors have not received some military benefits they feel they are entitled too.

Lunsford retired from the military earlier this year, but says he will always carry the physical and emotional scars from the day that forever changed so many lives.

See It On TV | Report A Typo |  Send Tip |  Get Alerts | Send us photos
Follow @abc11 on Twitter  |  Become a fan on Facebook

Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.