Orlando gunman's wife questioned, FBI confirms, as new details emerge

U.S. investigators have questioned the wife of the gunman who killed 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, the FBI said on Wednesday, and a law enforcement source told Reuters she could face criminal charges if there is evidence of any wrongdoing.

Omar Mateen's wife, Noor Salman, knew of his plans for what became the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, said the law enforcement source, who has been briefed on the matter.

• Orlando shooter's wifedescribed as sheltered and 'inside the box'
• G4S defends employee screening practices following Orlando, Edmonton shootings

"With respect to the wife, I can tell you that is only one of many interviews that we have done and will continue to do in this investigation," FBI Special Agent Ron Hopper told a news conference. "I cannot comment on the outcome or the outcome of that investigation."

What did Mateen's wife know and when did she know it?

8 years ago

Duration 7:29

Grand jury may be called to consider charges against Noor Salman

CNN, citing law enforcement officials, said a U.S. attorney plans to present evidence to a federal grand jury to determine whether charges will be brought against Salman. She could not be reached for comment.

Mateen rejected by police academy

More details about Mateen emerged Wednesday as investigators retraced his movements and tried to talk to anyone who came in contact with him over the last several years.

Mateen graduated in 2006 from Indian River Community College with a degree in criminal justice, and he wanted to be a police officer.

But his application to a police academy at Indian River State College was rejected, and on Oct. 19, 2015, Mateen complained to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that he wasn't accepted because he was Muslim, agency spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger told The Associated Press. The department, which certifies police officers, referred him back to the training academy, she said.

College spokesman Robert Lane declined to give a specific reason Mateen was denied. "He was offered the opportunity to appeal this admission decision, but opted not to appear for an appeal hearing."

In 2013, while working for security firm G4S, he was removed from an assignment at the St. Lucie County courthouse after he made inflammatory comments about women, Jews and a shooting at Fort Hood, according to Sheriff Ken Mascara.

The FBI investigated Mateen over the comments and again in 2014 because of his ties to a Syrian suicide bomber from Florida, but both cases were closed without the agency taking action.