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Orlando officials, community leaders react to arrest of Pulse nightclub shooter's wife

ORLANDO, Fla. — A number of local officials provided Channel 9 statements Monday in reaction to the arrest of the wife of Omar Mateen, seven months after her husband killed 49 people and wounded dozens more in a terror attack at Pulse nightclub.

FBI agents arrested Noor Salman-Mateen, who was married to the 29-year-old gunman, Monday at a Northern California home, officials said.

“It's about time. We're glad,” said Terry DeCarlo, executive director of The GLBT Community Center of Central Florida, also known as “The Center.” The organization still assists survivors of the attack and victims’ relatives.

"When something like this happens you want something to happen immediately, and you want somebody pulled in and taken in," DeCarlo said. "But I'm sure they had their reasons and took their time and made sure that the case was solid.”

Barbara Poma, the owner of Pulse nightclub, echoed DeCarlo’s sentiments.

“What is most important is justice for the families, victims and all others affected,” Poma said. “My hope is that this helps in the journey of healing."

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen called the news gratifying.

“Although her arrest will not undo the evil act of terrorism committed by her husband, nor will it bring back the lives lost,” Swearingen said. “I hope the families of the victims take some solace in her arrest and prosecution.”

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said that though the arrest won’t heal broken hearts, he hopes it helps provide closure.

“My hope is that justice will be served,” Rubio said. “And we can provide some measure of closure to the survivors, the families who lost loved ones, and all of us who were impacted by this horrific attack.”

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer thanked the FBI and other law enforcement agencies that “worked tirelessly and were dedicated” to bringing about justice.

“Our community continues to heal,” Dyer said. “And we remain focused on taking care of the needs of their victims and their families.”

Florida Gov. Rick Scott also thanked law enforcement officers at the local, state and federal levels “for their continued dedication to help find answers” in the terror attack.

“I hope today's news provides some comfort to the families who are mourning their loved ones,” Scott said.

Orlando police Chief John Mina said he’s grateful that federal authorities “have seen to it that some measure of justice will be served in this act of terror that has affected our community so deeply.”

“Nothing can erase the pain we all feel about the senseless and brutal murders of 49 of our neighbors, friends, family members and loved ones,” Mina said. “But today, there is some relief in knowing that someone will be held accountable for that horrific crime.”

Salman was charged with obstruction of justice and aiding and abetting the attempted provision of material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

The FBI said she’ll be transferred from Northern California to the Middle District of Florida.

Salman, who was booked into Santa Rita Jail in Almeda County, is expected to appear before a judge Tuesday morning in Oakland.