Buyer of guns used in California massacre appears in court

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — The man who authorities say bought the assault rifles his friend used in the San Bernardino massacre appeared in court Monday to face terrorism-related allegations.

Enrique Marquez, 24, was expected to enter a plea to three charges in federal court in Riverside, about 10 miles from the site of the Dec. 2 attack. But the proceeding, including a decision on whether to hold him pending trial, was postponed until late morning.

Marquez shuffled into court with his ankles and hands cuffed, his thick frame filling out a white jumpsuit. He had a slight smile and at times whispered and nodded with his attorneys. At other times, he appeared bored, swiveling his chair from side to side and looking at the ceiling. A U.S. marshal sat close behind him.

Marquez shuffled to a podium with his attorney when the proceeding began. But the hearing ended quickly after Magistrate Judge David Bristow conferred privately with the defense and prosecution.

After a few minutes, Bristow announced the hearing would be delayed until 11:30 a.m. so defense attorneys could have more time to confer with Marquez. Marshals then led him out of the courtroom.

Prosecutors are asking that Marquez remain held for the community’s safety and because they fear he would flee if released.

Marquez is charged with conspiring to provide material support to terrorists for abandoned plots in 2011 and 2012.