First grader shoots teacher in Virginia: boy's family share details about child and gun

The family of the 6-year-old Virginia boy who shot his teacher at Newport News Elementary almost two weeks ago released a statement for the first time since the incident, praising the teacher and saying their child has a disability. Writes about it CNN.

Photo: IStock

"Our heart goes out to our son's teacher and we pray for her healing after such an unimaginable tragedy as she selflessly served our son and the children at school," lawyer James Ellenson said in a statement.

The announcement was made on the same day that officials announced that teacher Abby Zwerner, who was injured in a January 6 classroom shooting, had been discharged from the hospital.

Zwerner, 25, was shot in the chest after a bullet went through one of her arms, Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said. Police have not released the identity of the first grader they say is responsible.

On the subject: It turns out that you can lose nuclear weapons: three American bombs have not yet been found

The parents said the family member used to go to class with him, but not during the week of the incident.

“Our son is severely disabled and is placed under a guardianship at school whereby his mother or father attends school with him and accompanies him to class every day,” the family said in a statement. “We will regret our absence on this day for the rest of our lives.”

According to Drew, the gun was purchased legally by the child's mother, who could face charges after the investigation is over. According to him, the child brought it to school in his backpack.

It is an offense under Virginia law for an adult to leave a loaded firearm in a manner that could endanger a child under the age of 14.

Ellenson did not comment on how the weapon was stored or how the child was able to access it on the day of the shooting. The statement noted that the family is cooperating with the investigation.

In this paper, parents praised Zwerner.

“She worked diligently and compassionately to support our family as we sought the best education and learning environment for our son,” they said. “We thank her for her courage, mercy and dedication.” We mourn with all other teachers, families and administrators for the impact this terrible incident has had on them, our community and the nation.”

The Newport News School said it could not provide any further information about the shooting at this time.

Riverside Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Angela Archieri said Zwerner was discharged from the hospital earlier this week.

“Zwerner continues his recovery as an outpatient with the support of family, friends and medical professionals. The Zwerner family respectfully asks for privacy at this time,” Archieri wrote.

Police have called the shooting, which left the teacher seriously injured, "premeditated."

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

Zwerner was praised for her heroic actions in keeping her students safe after she was injured. According to Drew, she made sure all her students left the classroom and was the last one to leave the premises before heading to the office.

Schools are closed until January 30, that is, until the start of the next semester. On Thursdays and Fridays, the school provides emotional support services for students and their families.

The Richneck shooting was the first in 2023 to take place at a school. In 2022, there were 60 shootings in educational institutions.

However, school shootings by such young suspects are very rare. According to the School Shooting Database, which has been tracking American school shootings since 1970, there were only three other cases where the shooter was just 6 years old: in 2000, 2011 and 2021.

As ForumDaily wrote earlier:

• January 6th in Virginia A 6-year-old student shot a teacher during a quarrel. No students were injured in the incident, according to Newport News police. The shooter is under arrest.
• The incident immediately raised questions about the origins of firearms and what would happen next. We have tried to explain this in our material.

Read also on ForumDaily:

What day is better to go to the store to save a lot of money

How to get a green card if you are not in the USA: who is eligible and how to apply

Egg prices are rising at an unprecedented pace: in which stores you can still find them cheaper

Massage, meditation and entertainment: 6 great spa resorts in the USA

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.