Judge: Proof that wife helped Orlando shooter is 'debatable'
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- A federal judge in California said Wednesday that it is "debatable" whether the government has enough evidence to convict a woman of helping her husband plan the Orlando nightclub rampage, ordering her released from jail until trial.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna Ryu also said Noor Salman, 31, is not dangerous and there is no proof she has ties to the Islamic State group or holds extremist views. Her husband, Omar Mateen, pledged allegiance to several terror organizations during last year's attack that left 49 people dead at Pulse nightclub before police killed him.
"She herself is not charged with providing material support to a terrorist organization," the judge said, noting that Salman has no criminal record and that friends and former teachers called her "peaceful and nonviolent."
Salman has been charged with helping Mateen plan the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history and lying to investigators. She has pleaded not guilty and faces life in prison if convicted.
Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ORLANDO_SHOOTERS_WIFE?SITE=CARIE&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT