FORT HOOD, Texas — 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.

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Hasan's defense team includes two Army attorneys.

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