Here's What Wife Texted Shooter During Pulse Massacre

Noor Salman is on trial for allegedly helping husband plan deadly Orlando attack
By Michael Harthorne,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 21, 2018 5:41 PM CDT
Updated Mar 22, 2018 2:00 AM CDT
Phone Reveals Pulse Shooter's Final Text to Wife
In this Nov. 30, 2016 file photo, artwork and signatures cover a fence around the Pulse nightclub, scene of a mass shooting, in Orlando, Fla.   (AP Photo/John Raoux)

"I love you babe." Those were the final words Omar Mateen texted his wife after he shot and killed 49 people at a Florida nightclub and before he himself was shot and killed by police, the AP reports. Data from the Pulse shooter's cellphone was submitted as evidence Wednesday. Mateen's wife, Noor Salman, is on trial for allegedly helping her husband plan the attack and lying to federal agents. According to ABC News, information gleaned from Mateen's cellphone appears to indicate Salman was unaware what her husband was doing in the early hours of June 12, 2016. Mateen had already shot up the club and was in a standoff with police when Salman texted "where are you?" twice. She went on to text she and his mother were worried about him and he had work in the morning, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Mateen's mother, Shahla Mateen, testified Wednesday. She said her son told her he was having dinner with a friend that night, but his friend's mother told her that wasn't the case. "I feel sad, embarrassed," Shahla Mateen said. "He lied." At the same time Mateen was texting with Salman, his mother left him a voicemail: “Omar call me ... I am so worried." Mateen's phone also revealed his internet usage in the days leading up to the shooting. It included searches on the Islamic State, acts of terrorism, how to buy guns in Florida, and government surveillance—but also singles dating websites and information on masturbation. Salman has pleaded not guilty. A verdict could come as soon as next week. She faces life in prison. (More Omar Mateen stories.)

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