As more details emerge about the movements of Orlando gunman Omar Mateen, it’s come to light that authorities are now investigating possible criminal charges against his wife.
An anonymous official told ABC News (USA) that Noor Salman admitted to knowing something about her husband’s plans to shoot patrons at Pulse nightclub, and claimed she tried to talk him out of the attack.
Omar Mateen used a semi-automatic rifle to violently slay 49 innocent people at the gay venue early on Sunday morning, pledging his allegiance to Islamic State and referencing the brothers that carried out the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013.
The assault ended when Mateen was fatally shot by police.
According to ABC News, Salman did not reach out to authorities, despite being with Mateen when he recently purchased ammunition and a holster. She also accompanied him on a trip to Disney World, which authorities suspect he may have been scouting as an alternative location for the assault.
Reports also suggest the 30-year-old may even have driven her husband to Pulse on an earlier occasion.
Several witnesses have placed Mateen at the venue numerous times in the months prior to the attack, sparking speculation that he may have been a closeted gay man.
At least four patrons spoke to The Orlando Sentinel claiming to have seen Mateen at Pulse previously. One, Ty Smith, told the paper the gunman been there on at least a dozen occasions.
“Sometimes he would go over in the corner and sit and drink by himself, and other times he would get so drunk he was loud and belligerent,” said Smith.
Another witness also claimed to have been communicating with Mateen via a gay hookup app.
The FBI are reportedly investigating the claims.
Top Comments
I cannot understand the defence of this woman at all. Sources close to her have said she has never reported abuse or being fearful. Based on this I wouldn't jump to the conclusion they she deserves the benefit of the doubt when 49 people were killed. Authorities are not reporting that she was fearful, they do say she knew what he planned and she tried to talk him out of it. Even the gun shop man reported him for his behaviour. In the US there are children sentenced to life because they knew a murder was going to be committed and did nothing. There is no excuse and I for one won't be making up any stories about her being in fear. There is a moral argument that when you know someone is about to commit a mass murder attack that the lives of so many matter.
Fallon's words "49 good people and 1 bad guy". True. But he forgot the rapid-fire rifles/guns.