While the specific charges are now unknown, CNN reported that they are expected to be based off of his gun purchases, and Marquez could face conspiracy to commit a terrorist act or conspiracy to commit murder, both carrying a potential life sentence. Officials believe Marquez bought the two assault-style rifles that Farook and Tashfeen Malik used in the attack, so that Farook’s name wouldn’t be on file. Farook, the U.S-born son of Pakistani immigrants, and Pakistani-born Malik were killed in a shootout with police a few hours after their assault on the party.
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Marquez has been cooperating with the federal authorities for several days, providing them with many details about the gunmen.
FBI Director James Comey on Wednesday said investigators have found no connection between Farook and the people arrested in 2010. The FBI is investigating whether the rifles that Marquez bought were intended for use in that 2012 attack that was called off, the officials said.
Attorneys for family members of Farook and Malik say authorities released their bodies earlier this week and they were buried Tuesday in southern California.
In remarks prepared for delivery Thursday, the Republican committee chairman, Jason Chaffetz, said: “It is unclear how someone who so openly discussed her hatred of our country and way of life could easily pass three background checks”.
Marquez, who had worked at Walmart and at a bar recently, also is related to Farook’s family by marriage. But Azmi Hasan, manager at the Islamic Society of Corona-Norco, said Marquez later told him that Islam was not for him.
Yousuf Bhaghani, president of the board of the mosque, said Marquez attended about four years ago but then stopped coming. In fact, he had checked himself into a mental-health facility sometime in the immediate aftermath of the December 2 shooting rampage.
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Armida Chacon has said her son is a good person who loved to hang out with friends and go to parties, according to The Los Angeles Times. Still I pray mercy for him, and we Muslims know God is merciful. “My world is upside-down”, she said tearfully.
