Scientist, reputed al-Qaida supporter on trial in NY; prosecutors say she fired military rifle

Reputed al-Qaida supporter on trial in NYC

NEW YORK — Manhattan prosecutors say a U.S.-trained scientist who’s a reputed al-Qaida supporter fired a soldier’s military assault rifle at Americans during a 2008 confrontation in Afghanistan.

Opening statements began Tuesday at the attempted murder trial of Aafia Siddiqui (ah-FEE’-uh sih-DEE’-kee).

Prosecutors say witnesses will include soldiers and FBI agents attacked by Siddiqui before her interrogation.

The defense says there’s no strong evidence she ever fired the weapon.

Authorities say Siddiqui fled to her native Pakistan in 2003. They say she married an al-Qaida operative related to admitted 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed.