FBI raids home of terrorist shooter’s brother
On Thursday, FBI agents raided the Corona home of the brother of Syed Rizwan Farook — who with his wife carried out the Dec. 2 terror attack in San Bernardino — saying it was part of an “ongoing investigation,” but they released no further details.
Agents arrived at the townhouse of Syed Raheel Farook in the 1700 block of Forum Way before daybreak and served the search warrant, then began carting away undisclosed items, according to published reports.
Syed Raheel Farook — older brother of Syed Rizwan Farook — reportedly lives at the home with his wife, child, father and mother.
FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller would not confirm the basis for the raid, telling reporters only that it was “to seek evidence in an ongoing investigation.” It’s unclear whether any of the home’s occupants were present when federal agents arrived. Neighbors told one news outlet that the agents were flashing photographs of Syed and his wife, Tatiana, asking whether they had been seen lately and other questions.
Syed Rizwan Farook, 28, and his emigree wife, 27-year-old Tashfeen Malik — carried out the massacre at the Inland Regional Center immediately following a Christmas party there, according to federal authorities.
Fourteen people were killed in the mass shooting and 22 others were wounded. Several
victims are still undergoing treatment.
Farook’s longtime neighbor, 24-year-old Enrique Marquez Jr. of Riverside, is charged with five felonies in connection with the shooting rampage. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Marquez allegedly purchased the two semiautomatic rifles that the perpetrators used to carry out the attack.
The husband and wife were killed in a shootout with law enforcement officers a few hours later.
It’s also alleged that Marquez at one time conspired with Farook to carry out killing sprees at Riverside City College and on the Riverside (91) Freeway. The defendant is being held without bail by U.S. Marshals in San Bernardino.
None of Syed Farook’s relatives have been charged.
Investigators confirmed in December that his mother, 62-year-old Rafia Sultana Farook, was living with him and his wife in their Redlands home up until the time of the terrorist attack.
