Teacher: Gunman's Wife Had 'Difficulty' Understanding Things

The wife of the Orlando nightclub shooter had learning difficulties when she was in middle school and was enrolled in special education classes, according to her now retired teacher in California.

Susan was Noor Zahi Salman's teacher at her middle school in Crockett, California. ABC News is not using Susan's full name or showing her face at her request.

"Noor had difficulty with retention, she had difficulty with conceptualizing, understanding, all challenges to her," Susan said. "She tried hard. She was very sweet."

Her family confirmed Susan was Salman's special education teacher and that she was enrolled in special education classes.

Susan said Noor Salman was considered a "special day class student", meaning she had to take all of her classes with special education teachers.

Noor Salman's family released a rare statement to ABC News after confirming she was a special education student. Salman is currently under investigation by the FBI for possible links to her husband's killing of 49 people at an LGBT nightclub in Orlando last weekend.

"Noor is completely innocent and [was] unaware of the attacks," the statement said, adding she doesn't understand "cause and effect." The family said Salman was enrolled in special education classes because she needed extra help in school.

Omar Mateen and Noor Salman, 30, were married in September 2011 after meeting online.

The FBI investigation is ongoing.