Deliberations Resume Tuesday In Prophet Cartoon Contest Attack Trial

By Al Macias
Published: Monday, March 14, 2016 - 8:29am
(Photo courtesy of Maricopa County Sheriff's Office)
Abdul Malik Abdul Kareem

A Phoenix jury will resume deliberations this week in the trial of an Arizona man accused of plotting an attack last spring at a cartoon contest in Texas. The contest featured cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad which are considered offensive to Muslims.

Two men were killed in a police shootout in the foiled attack on the event, near Garland, Texas, last May. Abdul Malik Abdul Kareem is accused of hosting the two gunmen at his home to discuss plans for the attack, going target shooting in the  Arizona desert with the pair and providing the guns used in the assault.

Jurors heard closing arguments most of Friday and met privately for about 20 minutes before going home. They will resume deliberations on Tuesday.

He also faces a charge of providing support to the Islamic State terrorist group.

Kareem denies the allegation.