Almost two years ago, Omar Mateen opened gunfire on Pulse nightclub, killing 49 people and injuring 58 more. This tragedy left countless families and people all over heartbroken, Orlando was changed forever. Months after the attack, Mateen’s wife, Noor Salman was arrested. She was charged with obstruction of justice, aiding and abetting Mateen and providing material support for terrorism. Then on Friday March 30th, hearts all around Orlando sunk as Salaman was found not guilty and released from Police Custody.
Confusion erupted from people all throughout Orlando when the verdict was announced because the jurors apart of the trial were also from Orlando. One of the major points of controversy throughout this trial was the lack of evidence and the many contradicting statements. Suspicions emerged from day one of questioning when Salman’s statements were not recorded or written down, despite having the ability to do so during the initial interrogation. In the beginning, a statement had been given that said Salaman was the person who drove Mateen to Pulse nightclub on the night of the attack. However, further discussion throughout the trial and discovery that Salman apparently “only has an IQ of 84” and is easily manipulated lead the jury to believe that this did not happen. There were also other countless contradictions throughout the trial regarding Salman’s internet history, whereabouts and other essential pieces of evidence that were needed in order to convict her. The jury said they were given “no option” but to acquit saying they were “convinced she did know,” “she may not have known what day, or what location, but she knew. However, we were not tasked with deciding if she was aware of a potential attack. The charges were aiding and abetting and obstruction of justice.”
From here, many are looking to the FBI and wondering how the court system could fail in something as tragic as a trial on terrorism. Furthermore, an important revelation was discovered during Salman’s trial that Mateen’s father, Seddique Mateen was an FBI informant for over a decade prior to the mass shooting at Pulse. He is now facing a criminal investigation for money transfers to Turkey and Pakistan. Many are considering the possibility that Mateen’s father was somehow tied into the horrible events that occured at Pulse. “Everything that happened that night was just so awful and I hope they get to the bottom of it all soon so they can try and prevent anything this horrible from happening ever again,” junior Emily Lennon expressed.
