A former Virginia teacher, Abigail Zwerner, shared her harrowing experience of being shot by a 6-year-old student at Richneck Elementary School. It happened on January 6, 2023, and Zwerner described the moment as terrifying. She recalled thinking she was either dead or close to dying. “I thought I was dying, I thought I had died,” she told the jury, her voice filled with emotion.
Zwerner has filed a $40 million lawsuit against the school’s former assistant principal, Ebony Parker. She claims Parker ignored multiple warnings about the boy who shot her. Zwerner believes the shooting could have been easily prevented if the school had taken the signs seriously.
The bullet that hit Zwerner came dangerously close to causing further harm. A doctor explained that removing the bullet from her chest would pose greater risks than leaving it there. Today, Zwerner struggles with everyday tasks. For instance, she recently tried to open a bag of chips but couldn’t manage it without help.
The shooting’s emotional impact lingers. Zwerner shared a poignant moment when her family planned to see the musical “Hamilton.” The thought of scenes depicting dueling reminded her of her trauma, and she broke down. She told her family, “I just want to stay home. I’m not going anywhere today.”
In the trial, other teachers testified that they had informed Parker about the gun in the child’s backpack multiple times, raising questions about the school’s response. Under cross-examination, Parker’s attorney suggested Zwerner should have acted on her own. Zwerner explained that she felt it was safe to rely on the administration to handle the situation once she reported it.
Three months after the incident, Zwerner spoke on NBC’s “TODAY” show about how the trauma still haunts her. “I think about it daily. Sometimes I have nightmares,” she admitted.
This case isn’t just about one teacher’s experience; it reflects a growing concern over school safety. According to a recent report by the National Center for Education Statistics, incidents of firearms in schools have increased by 60% over the past decade. The anxiety among teachers and parents is palpable, leading to calls for stricter regulations on gun access.
Zwerner’s case highlights the critical need for better safety protocols in schools. As it currently stands, a verdict against Parker would be covered by an insurance pool that includes the Newport News School Board, instigating discussions about accountability in school safety measures.
For more insights on school safety and related statistics, you can visit the National Center for Education Statistics.
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