Teacher Abby Zwerner Testifies on Being Shot by 6-Year-Old Student
Abby Zwerner, a former first-grade teacher in Newport News, Virginia, recently testified about the traumatic incident where she was shot by a 6-year-old student. The incident occurred in January 2023 during class at Richneck Elementary School. Zwerner described her chilling experience, expressing her initial feelings of dying when the gunfire erupted.
Details of the Shooting Incident
Zwerner recalled thinking she might have died as everything turned black. She remembered feeling pressure from coworkers who rushed to help her after the shooting. She had raised her hand moments before being shot, sensing danger.
Impact of the Shooting
- Date of Incident: January 2023
- Location: Richneck Elementary School, Newport News, Virginia
- Injuries: Gunshot wounds to the hand and chest
- Hospitalization: Nearly two weeks
- Surgeries Required: Six
- Current Condition: Reduced use of left hand; remains of a bullet in chest
Following this traumatic event, Zwerner filed a $40 million lawsuit against a former assistant principal, Ebony Parker. The lawsuit claims Parker ignored multiple warnings about the student’s access to a firearm. The school community and beyond reacted strongly to the shooting, raising questions about gun safety and children’s access to weapons.
Legal Proceedings and Aftermath
In her testimony, Zwerner spoke for over an hour, highlighting her ongoing struggles. A physician testified about the limited functionality of her left hand, which has lost more than half its grip strength. The case against Parker is critical, as she is the only defendant remaining after the dismissal of the school principal and superintendent from the lawsuit.
Additional Legal Issues
- Parker’s Charges: Eight counts of felony child neglect, each potentially leading to five years in prison.
- Student’s Mother: Sentenced to nearly four years for child neglect and federal weapons charges.
Additionally, the student reportedly retrieved the firearm from his mother’s purse, which had been left on a high dresser. Zwerner, who has since become a licensed cosmetologist, has declared she has no intention to return to teaching.
The incident has become a focal point for discussions surrounding gun access for minors and the responsibilities of educational institutions to safeguard students and staff alike. Abby Zwerner’s courageous testimony continues to shed light on the devastating impact of gun violence in schools.
