The family of Orlando killer Omar Mateen’s spouse, Noor Zahi Salman, said their daughter “is completely innocent and [was] unaware of the attacks,” adding that she doesn’t understand “cause and effect.”
In a statement to ABC News, Salman’s family explained that she was enrolled in special education classes because she needed help in school.
There has been some speculation that Salman may have been complicit in last Sunday’s shootings at a gay nightclub, where 50 people were killed, including the shooter, and 53 injured. She is currently under investigation by the FBI for possible links to the shooting.
A teacher who knew Salman told ABC she had learning disabilities.
ABC News interviewed a woman they only refer to as Susan, who was Salman’s middle school teacher. “Noor had difficulty with retention, she had difficulty with conceptualizing, understanding, all challenges to her,” Susan said. “She tried hard. She was very sweet.”
ABC News said it is not using Susan’s full name or showing her face at her request. Salman’s parents confirmed that Susan was indeed her teacher in special education classes she was enrolled in.
