Judge: Proof that wife helped Orlando shooter is 'debatable'
Paul Elias, Associated Press
Updated 12:25 am, Thursday, March 2, 2017
Noor Zahi Salman and Omar Mateen.
Noor Zahi Salman and Omar Mateen.
FILE - In this June 12, 2016 file photo, law enforcement officials work at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., following a mass shooting. A California judge is deciding whether to release the widow of the gunman, Omar Mateen, who killed dozens of people at the Florida nightclub and is accused of helping him. A hearing is set in federal court in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, to determine whether Noor Salman must stay behind bars while she awaits trial.
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FILE - In this June 12, 2016 file photo, law enforcement officials work at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., following a mass shooting. A California judge is deciding whether to release the widow of the
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Photo: Chris O'Meara, AP
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden visit a memorial to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting, Thursday, June 16, 2016 in Orlando, Fla. Offering sympathy but no easy answers, Obama came to Orlando to try to console those mourning the deadliest shooting in modern U.S history.
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President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden visit a memorial to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting, Thursday, June 16, 2016 in Orlando, Fla. Offering sympathy but no easy answers, Obama came to
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Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP
President Barack Obama hugs Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs upon the president's arrival at Orlando International Airport, Thursday, June 16, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. Obama is in Orlando today to pay respects to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting and meet with families of victims of the attack. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP) MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT
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President Barack Obama hugs Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs upon the president's arrival at Orlando International Airport, Thursday, June 16, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. Obama is in Orlando today to pay respects
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Photo: Stephen M. Dowell, Associated Press
Kelly Greenwood, co-owner of Cardinal Casket Company, prepares a casket for a victim of the Pulse nightclub shooting for shipment in preparation for the funeral Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. "It hits you, it hits everyone here," said Greenwood who lost a friend in the shooting. "I feel proud knowing that I made something for my friend's mother that will be with them the last time their family sees him." The locally owned company has so far received 23 orders for caskets ahead of the upcoming funerals for the victims. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
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Kelly Greenwood, co-owner of Cardinal Casket Company, prepares a casket for a victim of the Pulse nightclub shooting for shipment in preparation for the funeral Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. "It
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Photo: David Goldman/AP
Mourners arrive for the viewing and funeral service Kimberly Morris, June 16, 2016 in Kissimmee, Florida. Morris, who worked as a bouncer at the Pulse Nightclub, was killed in the shooting. The shooting at Pulse Nightclub, which killed 49 people and injured 53, is the worst mass-shooting event in American history.
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Mourners arrive for the viewing and funeral service Kimberly Morris, June 16, 2016 in Kissimmee, Florida. Morris, who worked as a bouncer at the Pulse Nightclub, was killed in the shooting. The shooting at
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Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
A group of young men grieve at a memorial site for the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, June 15, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The shooting at Pulse Nightclub, which killed 49 people and injured 53, is the worst mass shooting in American history.
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A group of young men grieve at a memorial site for the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, June 15, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The shooting at Pulse Nightclub, which killed 49 people and injured 53, is the
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Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
A prayer service is held for the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting at Delaney Street Baptist Church, June 15, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The shooting at Pulse Nightclub, which killed 49 people and injured 53, is the worst mass shooting in American history.
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A prayer service is held for the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting at Delaney Street Baptist Church, June 15, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The shooting at Pulse Nightclub, which killed 49 people and injured
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Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Doctors, nurses and first-responders hug after a brief prayer service in the emergency room at Florida Hospital in Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, June 15, 2016, to honor the victims of the Pulse nightclub mass shooting. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
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Doctors, nurses and first-responders hug after a brief prayer service in the emergency room at Florida Hospital in Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, June 15, 2016, to honor the victims of the Pulse nightclub mass
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Photo: Joe Burbank
A news van nearby a makeshift memorial set up for victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting sits outside Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando, Fla., June 15, 2016. A gunman who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State killed 49 people and wounded 53 in the crowded gay nightclub in Orlando early Sunday. (Hilary Swift/The New York Times) ORG XMIT: XNYT10
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A news van nearby a makeshift memorial set up for victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting sits outside Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando, Fla., June 15, 2016. A gunman who pledged allegiance to the
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Photo: HILARY SWIFT
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer speaks during a news conference update about the recent mass shootings at the Pulse nightclub, Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) ORG XMIT: FLJR103
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer speaks during a news conference update about the recent mass shootings at the Pulse nightclub, Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) ORG XMIT: FLJR103
Photo: John Raoux
Demetrice Naulings cries while recalling in an interview how he survived the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub that claimed the life of his friend Eddie Justice Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. "I'm not going to get a chance to get another friend like that anymore," said Naulings. "Eddie was my angel." (AP Photo/David Goldman)
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Demetrice Naulings cries while recalling in an interview how he survived the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub that claimed the life of his friend Eddie Justice Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. "I'm
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Photo: David Goldman/AP
Dr. Neil Finkler comforts Patience Carter as she is overcome with emotion after speaking to the media from the Florida Hospital about being shot in the Pulse gay nightclub terror attack on June 14, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Omar Mateen killed 49 people and injured 53 others in what is the deadliest mass shooting in the country's history.
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Dr. Neil Finkler comforts Patience Carter as she is overcome with emotion after speaking to the media from the Florida Hospital about being shot in the Pulse gay nightclub terror attack on June 14, 2016 in
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Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Angel Colon, a survivor of the Orlando nightclub shooting, attends a press conference June 14, 2014 Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando, Florida.
Angel Colon, a survivor of the Orlando nightclub shooting, attends a press conference June 14, 2014 Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando, Florida.
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
Angel Santiago speaks to the media from the Florida Hospital about being shot in the Pulse gay nightclub terror attack on June 14, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Omar Mateen killed 49 people and injured 53 others in what is the deadliest mass shooting in the country's history. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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Angel Santiago speaks to the media from the Florida Hospital about being shot in the Pulse gay nightclub terror attack on June 14, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Omar Mateen killed 49 people and injured 53 others in
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Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
FBI agents return to the scene of the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday, June 14, 2016. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
FBI agents return to the scene of the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday, June 14, 2016. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
Photo: Joe Burbank/AP
Alicia Stelly stops to look at a small makeshift memorial in remembrance of the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting, at Lake Eola Park on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. (Jacob Langston/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
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Alicia Stelly stops to look at a small makeshift memorial in remembrance of the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting, at Lake Eola Park on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. (Jacob Langston/Orlando
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Photo: Jacob Langston, Associated Press
Kelli Cantu 24, left and Soe Aponte, 23, of Orlando become emotional Tuesday, June 14, 2016, as they visit a growing memorial at the The Dr. Phillips Center for the victims of the mass shooting at the Pulse Nightclub. (Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
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Kelli Cantu 24, left and Soe Aponte, 23, of Orlando become emotional Tuesday, June 14, 2016, as they visit a growing memorial at the The Dr. Phillips Center for the victims of the mass shooting at the Pulse
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Photo: Red Huber, Associated Press
Amy Semesco, left, wipes a tear, while visiting a makeshift memorial for the victims of a mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub with Bree Balchunas on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
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Amy Semesco, left, wipes a tear, while visiting a makeshift memorial for the victims of a mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub with Bree Balchunas on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/David
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Photo: David Goldman/AP
Rhonda Rodeffer, right, walks with her daughter Kennedy, 4, as they visit a makeshift memorial for the victims of a mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
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Rhonda Rodeffer, right, walks with her daughter Kennedy, 4, as they visit a makeshift memorial for the victims of a mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/David
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Photo: David Goldman/AP
A police officer walks toward the scene of the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub early Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
A police officer walks toward the scene of the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub early Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Photo: David Goldman/AP
Thousands gather for a memorial rally at the Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center in downtown Orlando on Monday, June 13, 2016 to honor those killed and wounded in the Pulse nightclub attack.
Thousands gather for a memorial rally at the Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center in downtown Orlando on Monday, June 13, 2016 to honor those killed and wounded in the Pulse nightclub attack.
Photo: Carolyn Cole/LA Times Via Getty Images
Madeline Lago, 15, and her mother Carmen Lago (center) were among the thousands who gathered for a memorial rally at the Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center in downtown Orlando on Monday, June 13, 2016 to honor those killed and wounded in the Pulse nightclub attack. They bow their heads as the bell was tolled.
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Madeline Lago, 15, and her mother Carmen Lago (center) were among the thousands who gathered for a memorial rally at the Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center in downtown Orlando on Monday, June 13,
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Photo: Carolyn Cole/LA Times Via Getty Images
Thousands gather at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to pay their respects for those lost in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, USA on June 13, 2016.
Thousands gather at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to pay their respects for those lost in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, USA on June 13, 2016.
Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
People embrace during a vigil outside the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for the mass shooting victims at the Pulse nightclub June 13, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The American gunman who launched a murderous assault on a gay nightclub in Orlando was radicalized by Islamist propaganda, officials said Monday, as they grappled with the worst terror attack on US soil since 9/11.
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People embrace during a vigil outside the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for the mass shooting victims at the Pulse nightclub June 13, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The American gunman who launched a
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Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
People arrive at the Beardall Senior Center to learn from authorities if their relative or friends were killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting, June 13, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Omar Mateen killed 49 people and injured 53 others in what is the deadliest mass shooting in the country's history. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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People arrive at the Beardall Senior Center to learn from authorities if their relative or friends were killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting, June 13, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Omar Mateen killed 49 people
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Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Pictures of one of the massacre victims, Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40, are left at a makeshift memorial at Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, USA on June 13, 2016. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
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Pictures of one of the massacre victims, Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40, are left at a makeshift memorial at Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, USA on June 13, 2016. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu
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Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Surrounded by members of the media, family and friends of the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting walk to their cars as they leave the Beardall Senior Center where they gathered to learn more information about loved ones who were injured or killed in the attack, June 13, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The shooting at Pulse Nightclub, which killed 49 people and injured 53, is the worst mass-shooting event in American history. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
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Surrounded by members of the media, family and friends of the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting walk to their cars as they leave the Beardall Senior Center where they gathered to learn more information
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Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Greg Larsen writes a message on a banner Monday, June 13, 2016, in Orlando, Fla., to one of his friends killed during a fatal shooting at Pulse Orlando nightclub. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Greg Larsen writes a message on a banner Monday, June 13, 2016, in Orlando, Fla., to one of his friends killed during a fatal shooting at Pulse Orlando nightclub. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Photo: Chris O'Meara/AP
Krystle Martin weeps as she views a makeshift memorial Monday, June 13, 2016, for the victims of a fatal shooting at the Pulse Orlando nightclub in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Krystle Martin weeps as she views a makeshift memorial Monday, June 13, 2016, for the victims of a fatal shooting at the Pulse Orlando nightclub in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Photo: Chris O'Meara/AP
A member of the FBI looks for evidence in the area behind the Pulse nightclub June 13, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Forty-nine people died and more than 50 were injured early June 12 when a heavily-armed gunman opened fire and seized hostages at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in the worst mass shooting in US history
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A member of the FBI looks for evidence in the area behind the Pulse nightclub June 13, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Forty-nine people died and more than 50 were injured early June 12 when a heavily-armed gunman
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Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
Brett Morian, from Daytona Beach, hugs an attendee during the candlelight vigil at Ember in Orlando, Fla., on Sunday, June 12, 2016. (Joshua Lim/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)
Brett Morian, from Daytona Beach, hugs an attendee during the candlelight vigil at Ember in Orlando, Fla., on Sunday, June 12, 2016. (Joshua Lim/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)
Photo: Joshua Lim, TNS
Friends and family grieve after a list of hospitalized victims was released, implying the death of those who weren't on the list and hadn't been heard from, outside a Hampton Inn & Suites hotel near the Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman opened fire inside a crowded nightclub early Sunday, before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers, police said. (Loren Elliott/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
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Friends and family grieve after a list of hospitalized victims was released, implying the death of those who weren't on the list and hadn't been heard from, outside a Hampton Inn & Suites hotel near the Orlando
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Photo: Loren Elliott, Associated Press
People react the Pulse nightclub shooting outside the hotel where family members are gathering in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. Fifty people died and another 53 were injured when a gunman opened fire and seized hostages at a gay nightclub in Florida, police said June 12, making it the worst mass shooting in US history.
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People react the Pulse nightclub shooting outside the hotel where family members are gathering in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. Fifty people died and another 53 were injured when a gunman opened fire and
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Photo: GREGG NEWTON, AFP/Getty Images
Annette Stubbs, a pastor at a local church, prays for victims a few blocks from a crime scene at the nightclub where a mass shooting took place the night before in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman opened fire inside the gay nightclub early Sunday, killing at least 50 people before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers, police said.
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Annette Stubbs, a pastor at a local church, prays for victims a few blocks from a crime scene at the nightclub where a mass shooting took place the night before in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman
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Photo: Loren Elliott, Associated Press
Family members wait for word from police after arriving down the street from a shooting involving multiple fatalities at Pulse Orlando nightclub in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
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Family members wait for word from police after arriving down the street from a shooting involving multiple fatalities at Pulse Orlando nightclub in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Phelan M.
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Photo: Phelan M. Ebenhack, Associated Press
An injured man is escorted out of the Pulse nightclub after a shooting rampage, Sunday morning June 12, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside a crowded gay nightclub early Sunday, killing at least 50 people before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers, police said. It was the deadliest mass shooting in American history.
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An injured man is escorted out of the Pulse nightclub after a shooting rampage, Sunday morning June 12, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside a crowded
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Photo: Steven Fernandez, Associated Press
Jermaine Towns, left, and Brandon Shuford wait down the street from a multiple shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016. Towns said his brother was in the club at the time. A gunman opened fire at a nightclub in central Florida, and multiple people have been wounded, police said Sunday. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
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Jermaine Towns, left, and Brandon Shuford wait down the street from a multiple shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016. Towns said his brother was in the club at the time. A gunman
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Photo: Phelan M. Ebenhack, Associated Press
An injured person is escorted out of the Pulse nightclub after a shooting rampage, Sunday morning June 12, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside a crowded gay nightclub early Sunday, killing at least 50 people before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers, police said. It was the deadliest mass shooting in American history.
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An injured person is escorted out of the Pulse nightclub after a shooting rampage, Sunday morning June 12, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside a
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Photo: Steven Fernandez, Associated Press
This handout photo provided by the Orlando Police Department on June 12, 2016 shows a bullet hole left in a kevlar helmet worn by an Orlando police officer, that saved his life during the shootings at the Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida. Fifty people died and another 53 were injured early June 12 when a heavily-armed gunman opened fire and seized hostages at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, police said, in the worst mass shooting in US history. / AFP PHOTO / Orlando Police Department / HO / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / ORLANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT" - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS HO/AFP/Getty Images
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This handout photo provided by the Orlando Police Department on June 12, 2016 shows a bullet hole left in a kevlar helmet worn by an Orlando police officer, that saved his life during the shootings at the Pulse
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Photo: Orlando Police
This photo shows the Pulse nightclub following a fatal shooting Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.
This photo shows the Pulse nightclub following a fatal shooting Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.
Photo: Chris O'Meara, Associated Press
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, center right, and Orlando Police Chief John Mina, center left, arrive to a news conference after a fatal shooting at Pulse Orlando nightclub in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, center right, and Orlando Police Chief John Mina, center left, arrive to a news conference after a fatal shooting at Pulse Orlando nightclub in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016.
Photo: Phelan M. Ebenhack, Associated Press
Concerned friends and family of victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting wait outside of the Orlando Police Department on Sunday, June 12, 2016. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)
Concerned friends and family of victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting wait outside of the Orlando Police Department on Sunday, June 12, 2016. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)
Photo: Joe Burbank, TNS
Orlando, second from right, was at the nightclub and trapped for three hours in a bathroom (He wouldn't give last name.) Orlando and family attend a vigil and church service held at Joy Metropolitan Community Church very close to Pulse nightclub. Fifty people were killed and more than 50 others injured in a mass shooting at Pulse nightclub, located at 1912 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, Florida in the worst mass shooting in American history. Twenty-year-old Omar Mateen of Port St. Lucie, identified as the shooter. (Photo by Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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Orlando, second from right, was at the nightclub and trapped for three hours in a bathroom (He wouldn't give last name.) Orlando and family attend a vigil and church service held at Joy Metropolitan Community
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Photo: Carolyn Cole/LA Times Via Getty Images
A member of the Medical Examiners office wheels a body to a vehicle from the mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub where Omar Mateen allegedly killed at least 50 people on June 12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The mass shooting killed at least 50 people and injuring 53 others in what is the deadliest mass shooting in the countryÃs history. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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A member of the Medical Examiners office wheels a body to a vehicle from the mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub where Omar Mateen allegedly killed at least 50 people on June 12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The mass
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Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
FBI agents investigate near the damaged rear wall of the Pulse Nightclub where Omar Mateen allegedly killed at least 50 people on June 12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The mass shooting killed at least 50 people and injuring 53 others in what is the deadliest mass shooting in the country's history. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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FBI agents investigate near the damaged rear wall of the Pulse Nightclub where Omar Mateen allegedly killed at least 50 people on June 12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The mass shooting killed at least 50 people
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Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
On the street behind the Pulse nightclub, the investigation continues. Fifty people were killed and more than 50 others injured in a mass shooting at Pulse nightclub, located at 1912 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, Florida in the worst mass shooting in American history. Twenty-year-old Omar Mateen of Port St. Lucie, identified as the shooter. (Photo by Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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On the street behind the Pulse nightclub, the investigation continues. Fifty people were killed and more than 50 others injured in a mass shooting at Pulse nightclub, located at 1912 S. Orange Ave., Orlando,
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Photo: Carolyn Cole/LA Times Via Getty Images
Sitora Yusufiy, the ex-wife of Orlando shooting suspect Omar Mateen, and her fiance Marcio Dias, give a statement to the media at their home outside Boulder, Colo., Sunday, June 12, 2016. (Autumn Parry/Boulder Daily Camera via AP)
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Sitora Yusufiy, the ex-wife of Orlando shooting suspect Omar Mateen, and her fiance Marcio Dias, give a statement to the media at their home outside Boulder, Colo., Sunday, June 12, 2016. (Autumn Parry/Boulder
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Photo: Autumn Parry, Associated Press
Lt. James Young of the Orlando Police department is hugged by Karen Castelloes after a memorial service at the Joy MCC Church for the victims of the terror attack at the the Pulse Nightclub where Omar Mateen allegedly killed more than 50 people on June 12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The mass shooting killed at least 50 people and injuring 53 others in what is the deadliest mass shooting in the countryÃs history. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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Lt. James Young of the Orlando Police department is hugged by Karen Castelloes after a memorial service at the Joy MCC Church for the victims of the terror attack at the the Pulse Nightclub where Omar Mateen
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Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Mourners attend a memorial service at the Joy MCC Church for the victims of the terror attack at the the Pulse Nightclub where Omar Mateen allegedly killed more than 50 people on June 12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The mass shooting killed at least 50 people and injuring 53 others in what is the deadliest mass shooting in the countryÃs history. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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Mourners attend a memorial service at the Joy MCC Church for the victims of the terror attack at the the Pulse Nightclub where Omar Mateen allegedly killed more than 50 people on June 12, 2016 in Orlando,
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Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Mina Justice shows a text she received from her son Eddie Justice at Pulse nightclub during a fatal shooting in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016. Justice hasn't heard from her son since the messages.
Mina Justice shows a text she received from her son Eddie Justice at Pulse nightclub during a fatal shooting in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016. Justice hasn't heard from her son since the messages.
Photo: Associated Press
Mina Justice shows a text message she received from her son Eddie Justice at Pulse nightclub during a fatal shooting in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016. Justice hasn't heard from her son since the messages.
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Mina Justice shows a text message she received from her son Eddie Justice at Pulse nightclub during a fatal shooting in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016. Justice hasn't heard from her son since the
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Photo: Associated Press
Mourners attend a memorial service at the Joy MCC Church for the victims of the terror attack at the the Pulse Nightclub where Omar Mateen allegedly killed more than 50 people on June 12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The mass shooting killed at least 50 people and injuring 53 others in what is the deadliest mass shooting in the countryÃs history. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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Mourners attend a memorial service at the Joy MCC Church for the victims of the terror attack at the the Pulse Nightclub where Omar Mateen allegedly killed more than 50 people on June 12, 2016 in Orlando,
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Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Susan Stephens, right (back to camera) gets a hug from Karen Castelloes, facing, before a vigil and prayer service is held at Joy Metropolitan Community Church very close to Pulse nightclub. Fifty people were killed and more than 50 others injured in a mass shooting at Pulse nightclub, located at 1912 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, Florida in the worst mass shooting in American history. Twenty-year-old Omar Mateen of Port St. Lucie, identified as the shooter. (Photo by Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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Susan Stephens, right (back to camera) gets a hug from Karen Castelloes, facing, before a vigil and prayer service is held at Joy Metropolitan Community Church very close to Pulse nightclub. Fifty people were
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Photo: Carolyn Cole/LA Times Via Getty Images
A group of people walk to the emergency room of Orlando Regional Medical Center after a shooting involving multiple fatalities at a nightclub, Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.
A group of people walk to the emergency room of Orlando Regional Medical Center after a shooting involving multiple fatalities at a nightclub, Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.
Photo: John Raoux, Associated Press
Terry DeCarlo, executive director of the LGBT Center of Central Florida, left, Kelvin Cobaris, pastor of The Impact Church, center, and Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan console each other after a shooting involving multiple fatalities at a nightclub in Orlando, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016.
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Terry DeCarlo, executive director of the LGBT Center of Central Florida, left, Kelvin Cobaris, pastor of The Impact Church, center, and Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan console each other after a
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Photo: Phelan M. Ebenhack, Associated Press
Angel Mendez, standing outside the Orlando Regional Medical Center, holds up a cell phone photo trying to get information about his brother Jean C. Mendez that was at the Pulse Nightclub where a shooting involving multiple fatalities occurred, Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Orlando, Fla.
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Angel Mendez, standing outside the Orlando Regional Medical Center, holds up a cell phone photo trying to get information about his brother Jean C. Mendez that was at the Pulse Nightclub where a shooting
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Photo: John Raoux, Associated Press
Long lines of people wait at the OneBlood Donation Center to donate blood for the injured victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting on June 12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The suspected shooter, Omar Mateen, was shot and killed by police. 50 people are reported dead and 53 were injured in what is now the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.
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Long lines of people wait at the OneBlood Donation Center to donate blood for the injured victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting on June 12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The suspected shooter, Omar Mateen, was
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Photo: Gerardo Mora, Getty Images
Potential blood donors line up outside the oneblood facility on Beach Blvd. In Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016, to help the victims from the shooting at a nightclub in Orlando. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside a gay nightclub early Sunday, killing at least 50 people before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers, police said. It was the worst mass shooting in American history.
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Potential blood donors line up outside the oneblood facility on Beach Blvd. In Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016, to help the victims from the shooting at a nightclub in Orlando. A gunman wielding an
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Photo: Bob Self, Associated Press
Aimee McCarthy from Jacksonville, Fla., gives blood at the oneblood facility on Beach Blvd. In Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016, to help the victims from a mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside a crowded gay nightclub early Sunday, before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers, police said. It was the worst mass shooting in American history.
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Aimee McCarthy from Jacksonville, Fla., gives blood at the oneblood facility on Beach Blvd. In Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, June 12, 2016, to help the victims from a mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando,
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Photo: Bob Self, Associated Press
People mourn for victims of the mass shooting just a block from the scene in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. Fifty people died and another 53 were injured when a gunman opened fire and seized hostages at a gay nightclub in Florida, police said June 12, making it the worst mass shooting in US history.
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People mourn for victims of the mass shooting just a block from the scene in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. Fifty people died and another 53 were injured when a gunman opened fire and seized hostages at a
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Photo: GREGG NEWTON, AFP/Getty Images
Ray Rivera, a DJ at Pulse Orlando nightclub, is consoled by a friend, outside of the Orlando Police Department after a shooting involving multiple fatalities at the nightclub, Sunday, June 12, 2016. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
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Ray Rivera, a DJ at Pulse Orlando nightclub, is consoled by a friend, outside of the Orlando Police Department after a shooting involving multiple fatalities at the nightclub, Sunday, June 12, 2016. (Joe
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Photo: Joe Burbank, Associated Press
A Bomb Disposal Unit checks for explosives around the apartment building where shooting suspect Omar Mateen is believed to have lived on June 12, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida. The mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida killed at least 50 people and injured 53 others in what is the deadliest mass shooting in the country's history.
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A Bomb Disposal Unit checks for explosives around the apartment building where shooting suspect Omar Mateen is believed to have lived on June 12, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida. The mass shooting at Pulse
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Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
A U.S. flag is flown at half staff at the White House after the Orlando mass shooting June 12, 2016 in Washington, DC. At least 50 people were killed and 53 were injured after a gunman opened fire in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
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A U.S. flag is flown at half staff at the White House after the Orlando mass shooting June 12, 2016 in Washington, DC. At least 50 people were killed and 53 were injured after a gunman opened fire in a gay
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Photo: Alex Wong, Getty Images
A Bomb Disposal Unit checks for explosives around the apartment building where shooting suspect Omar Mateen is believed to have lived on June 12, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida. The mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida killed at least 50 people and injured 53 others in what is the deadliest mass shooting in the country's history.
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A Bomb Disposal Unit checks for explosives around the apartment building where shooting suspect Omar Mateen is believed to have lived on June 12, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida. The mass shooting at Pulse
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Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Police block the entrance to the apartment building where shooting suspect Omar Mateen is believed to have lived on June 12, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida. The mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida killed at least 50 people and injured 53 others in what is the deadliest mass shooting in the country's history.
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Police block the entrance to the apartment building where shooting suspect Omar Mateen is believed to have lived on June 12, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida. The mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando,
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Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Gary Wilford, of Orlando, Fla., weeps near the scene of a mass shooting, Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside a crowded gay nightclub early Sunday, killing at least 50 people before dying in a gunfight with SWAT officers, police said. It was the worst mass shooting in American history.
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Gary Wilford, of Orlando, Fla., weeps near the scene of a mass shooting, Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside a crowded gay nightclub
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Photo: Tamara Lush, Associated Press
Faytriana Evans, who was at the Pulse nightclub, talks about what she saw while waiting for friends outside of Orlando Regional Medical Center on Sunday, June 12, 2016.
Faytriana Evans, who was at the Pulse nightclub, talks about what she saw while waiting for friends outside of Orlando Regional Medical Center on Sunday, June 12, 2016.
Photo: Joe Burbank, TNS
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 guilty and faces life in prison if convicted.
She won't go free immediately, with the judge putting her order on hold for at least two days to give prosecutors time to appeal.
They have said Salman accompanied Mateen on scouting trips to the nightclub and other possible targets — including a Disney attraction. They say she told FBI agents that she knew Mateen was planning the attack.
The judge said Wednesday that prosecutors have provided no evidence. They have not offered transcripts, recording or video of Salman's 16-hour interrogation, which she faced without a lawyer in the hours after the June 12 attack, Ryu said.
Prosecutors will file their appeal with a federal judge in Orlando, where Salman is charged and where any trial will be held. One has not yet been scheduled. Prosecutor Sara Sweeney declined comment outside court.
If released, Salman will live with her uncle in the San Francisco Bay Area and be required to wear an electronic monitoring device. She can only leave the house for court appearances, meetings with her lawyers and doctor's appointments.
Salman and her young son had gone to live with her mother in suburban San Francisco, where Salman was arrested in January. The mother and uncle each pledged their homes as collateral to secure Salman's release.
Salman's attorney, Linda Moreno, said it is unusual for bail to be granted in terror-related cases.
"It's extraordinarily rare and a statement of the government's case," Moreno said.
Prosecutors say Salman initially said she didn't know anything about the attack but later told investigators that Mateen abused steroids, was "pumped up" on that night and said "this is the one day" as he walked out the door.
Sweeney also has said that the couple ran up $25,000 in credit card debt and spent $5,000 in cash in the days before the shooting. Among the purchases was an $8,000 diamond ring for Salman. They also made Salman the death beneficiary of his bank account, prosecutors said.
Orlando Police Chief John Mina said he was disappointed Salman is being released pending trial. "Nothing can erase the pain we all feel about the senseless and brutal murders of 49 of our neighbors, friends, family members and loved ones," Mina said. "But I have full faith she will ultimately be brought to justice."
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Associated Press writer Michael Schneider contributed to this report from Orlando.