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California shooters had been radicalised 'for some time'

California shooters Syed Farook and Tashfeen Malik had been radicalised "for quite some time" before killing 14 people in San Bernadino last week, the FBI has revealed.

Both took part in target practice, on one occasion just days before the deadly attack on an office Christmas party.

Syed Rizwan Farook, 28, and Tashfeen Malik, 27, killed 14 people and injured 21 others in the attack on an office Christmas party in the city of San Bernadino. Many of the victims were food inspector Farook's colleagues.

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Friend of California shooter charged with terror offences

A sketch of Enrique Marquez in court. Credit: Reuters/Bill Robles

A friend and former neighbour of one of the San Bernardino shooters has been charged with conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.

Enrique Marquez, 24, is said to have illegally purchased two assault rifles which were later used to kill 14 people.

Prosecutors said shooter Syed Rizwan Farook got Marquez to buy the guns as "his appearance was Caucasian, while Farook looked Middle Eastern".

US Attorney Eileen Decker said Marquez and Farook had previously conspired to commit "vicious" attacks on a California college and state highway during rush hour.

Marquez is charged with conspired to provide materials to support terrorists. Credit: Reuters/Bill Robles

There was no evidence Marquez took part in the San Bernardino attack or had prior knowledge of it, prosecutors said.

Marquez appeared in court in California but did not enter a plea. If convicted, he faces up to 35 years in jail.

He is also charged with defrauding immigration authorities by entering into a sham marriage with a member of Farook’s family.

Shortly after the shooting, Marquez checked into a mental health facility before federal investigators searched his home.

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California shooters had been radicalised 'for some time'

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