Officials: 6-year-old student who allegedly shot Virginia teacher brought gun in backpack from house

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Police say a 6-year-old student who allegedly shot a Newport News, Virginia, teacher on Friday reportedly brought the gun to school in a backpack from their house.

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Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said in a news conference Monday afternoon that the student allegedly pulled the gun out, pointed it at the teacher and shot her. According to The Associated Press, Drew said there was no struggle over the gun before the shooting.

Drew said that the student’s mother legally purchased gun in York County. The gun was reportedly in the student’s house; he put it in his backpack and then brought it to school, according to the AP.

The teacher who was shot was identified as Abby Zwerner and police say she is in stable condition as of Monday. According to the AP, Drew reportedly spoke with Zwerner and he shared that she was concerned about her students. Police identified the student as a boy.

Following the shooting, the boy was physically restrained by another school employee and he allegedly hit the employee, according to the AP.

Richneck Elementary School released a statement on Monday following the shooting on their website.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Ms. Zwerner, who sustained serious injuries. We were happy to learn today that she is in stable condition, and is talking with family and friends.”

Superintendent George Parker, III, Ph.D., also released a statement saying he is deeply saddened about what happened on Friday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the faculty member who was injured, her family, and the entire Richneck school community. The safety of our students and staff is and always will be our first priority,” said Parker.

Parker also said that school at Richneck has been canceled Monday through Jan.13 to “focus on the welfare” of the Richneck Elementary students.

No students were injured according to the AP. A vigil is planned for Zwerner Monday evening around 6:30 p.m.

According to the AP, Virginia law reportedly does not allow 6-year-olds to be tried as adults and a 6-year-old is too young to be committed or placed in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice if they are found guilty. Officials have not yet released any details on where the boy is being held.

Police have also not released information about how the boy got the gun or how he knew how to use it, according to the news conference Monday.

The investigation is ongoing.

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