USA TODAY US Edition

Prosecutor says Pulse shooter’s wife gave ‘green light’

- Doug Stanglin and Christal Hayes

The widow of the man accused of killing 49 people and injuring dozens at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando two years ago was portrayed by prosecutor­s Wednesday as her husband’s knowing helpmate in the heinous crime.

“None of the victims that night knew the horrific events that would unfold. No one knew except for two people: Omar Mateen and his wife,” Assistant U.S. Attorney James Mandolfo said in opening statements at Noor Salman’s trial in Orlando. “The defendant gave Omar Mateen the green light to commit terrorism on behalf of ISIS.”

Mandolfo described Salman, 31, as a person fully aware of Mateen’s plot, including his purchase of ammunition, who helped him scout locations to attack. She knew his plans when he left the house June 12, 2016, he said.

Salman — who is charged with aiding and abetting the support of a foreign terrorist organizati­on and obstructio­n of justice — lied and tried to mislead FBI agents by withholdin­g informatio­n on Mateen’s fascinatio­n with violent jihadist videos and terrorism, Mandolfo said. If convicted, Salman could face up to life in federal prison.

Mateen, who died in a shootout with officers inside the club, had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and traveled about 120 miles to mount the deadly ambush.

Linda Moreno, the defense attorney, challenged the prosecutor’s portrait of Salman as a willing helper, saying Mateen had a secret life that involved cheating with other women and exploring jihadist websites.

She portrayed Salman as a simple woman with a limited intellect who was duped by her husband and coerced into confessing by the FBI. “The only sin was that she married a monster,” Moreno said.

She said the jury could honor the victims of the attack by seeking the truth of her client’s actions.

“It’s not going to be easy to hear the details of what happened inside and what led up to the shooting, but I already have nightmares,” said Christine Leinonen, whose son, Christophe­r “Drew” Leinonen, died in the massacre. “It can’t be worse than what I already imagine happened to my son as he was murdered.”

U.S. District Judge Paul Byron said the trial could last five weeks or longer. Jurors were asked whether they could be impartial after the Parkland, Fla., school shooting one month ago. They were also asked whether they believe the war on terror targets Muslims.

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