6-year-old shoots Virginia teacher, leaves parents worried

First-grader at an elementary school in Newport News, Virginia, age 6, shot a teacher during a classroom altercation on Friday, according to authorities. Her injuries were described as "life-threatening," and the incident renewed calls from parents for more safety measures to be taken in the classroom.

Abigail Zwerner, a first-grade teacher at Richneck Elementary School, was shot by the 6-year-old kid. Following the event, she was taken by ambulance to Riverside Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

Before Friday's event at Richneck Elementary School, two other shootings at Newport News Public Schools' network of schools had jolted the neighborhood in the previous 17 months.

Two 17-year-olds were hurt in September 2021 when a 16-year-old opened fire in a crowded hallway of Heritage High School after lunch.

Demari Batten, then 18, fatally shot Justice Dunham, then 17, in the parking lot of Menchville High School in December 2021. Both schools are part of the Newport News Public Schools system.

the district's website states. With 26,500 pupils, Newport News Public Schools is made up of 24 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 5 high schools. There are roughly 550 pupils in kindergarten through fifth grade at Richneck Elementary School.

Dr. George Parker, the superintendent of Newport News Public Schools, stated at a press conference on Friday that "we need to keep guns out of our young people's hands."

Some concurred, urging state and federal lawmakers to pass stronger gun restrictions to prevent children from accessing weapons.

Others demanded that the district install metal detectors, station law enforcement officers inside of schools, and even mandate that kids bring transparent backpacks to class.

"How many shootings and incidents does it take to start using metal detectors at every school, every entrance, every day, 24/7 with no exceptions." Riri Mimi wrote. "Issue a clear backpack policy AND put armed school resource officers in EVERY school."

"What’s your plan to stop this drama? Put Metal Detectors in school!!!!" Hanan Daoud, who has children within the school district, said.

Richneck Elementary School will be closed on Monday and Tuesday in response to the latest shooting.

According to a statement issued by police on Saturday afternoon, Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew visited with Zwerner and her family on Saturday morning.

"She has improved and is currently listed in stable condition," police said in the statement. "Because of the ongoing nature of the investigation, we will not be releasing any further information at this time."

Richneck Principal Briana Foster Newton said in a statement, "My heart is aching for our school community. The tragic event that occurred on Friday impacts all of us deeply," he said. "My thoughts and prayers remain with our teacher who was seriously injured, and our students and our staff, who are dealing with the aftereffects of this tragedy."

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