A 6-year-old student shot a teacher: where did he get the weapon and what will happen to him

On January 6, it was reported that a 6-year-old student shot his first grade teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia. This immediately raised questions about the origins of firearms and what happens next. TheCut.

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School shootings have become an integral part of American life, but no one was prepared for the fact that a 6-year-old child would bring a gun to school and shoot a teacher.

The teacher, later identified as Abby Zwerner, suffered life-threatening injuries but was in stable condition as of Jan. 7. The investigation is ongoing, but given the rare precedent of a 6-year-old shooter, it seems unlikely that charges will be filed. The New York Times reported that in the last 50 years there have only been three school shootings involving 6-year-old shooters.

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The police have not yet given an official report on what happened in the first class. Brittany Gregory, whose son was reportedly in the class, told the Washington Post that the child pulled a gun from her backpack and pointed it at the teacher as the class was getting ready for an art class. “She was about to take the gun away, and then he fired,” Gregory said. According to her, then the teacher ordered her students to run. The students closed in the next class.

People are also wondering why Newport News Public Schools didn't pay attention to security after the previous two shootings. Yahoo.

In September 2021, a 16-year-old fired multiple shots in a busy hallway of Heritage High School during lunch, injuring two 17-year-olds.

In December 2021, 18-year-old Demarie Batten shot and killed Judge Dunham, 17, in the parking lot of Menchville High School after a football game, also in the Newport News public school system.

At the same time, fellow teachers and city officials describe the 25-year-old Zwerner as a hard-working educator, dedicated to her students and enthusiastic about her profession.

“The caregivers and other teachers have said that she is a good teammate, she is a team player, she loves her children, she is just a good teacher in every way,” said John Ely III, a former Newport News School Board member who was recently elected to Newport News City Council.

The boy reportedly fired one shot, hitting his teacher's arm and chest, which Drew said was "not an accidental shot."

According to ABC News, authorities recovered one cartridge case from the scene, and it is believed that by the time police arrived, the boy had been grabbed by a school employee. None of the other children were physically hurt, but the elementary school was closed for two days.

Where can a six year old get a gun?

On January 9, the police confirmed that the pistol used to shoot belonged to the boy's mother and was legally purchased. According to the New York Times, Virginia law prohibits leaving a loaded gun within the reach of children under 14. No charges were filed, but at a January 9 press conference, Drew did not rule out possible charges against the child's parents.

What is happening now?

It is reported that immediately after the shooting, a 6-year-old child was taken to the hospital. He is being treated at a medical facility and the police have obtained a temporary detention order to keep him under their surveillance. ABC News also reported that because of the shooter's young age - a rare case without a clear protocol - Drew turned to Child Protective Services, Social Services, the Commonwealth Attorney's Office and the Public Works Board for advice on how to proceed. Newport News Mayor Phillip D. Jones released a statement Jan. 7 saying authorities are "working to ensure the child gets the support and services they need as we continue to process what happened."

Virginia law does not allow 6-year-olds to be judged as adults. In addition, a 6-year-old child is too young to be taken into custody by the Juvenile Justice Department if found guilty.

However, the juvenile judge will have the power to terminate the parent's guardianship and place the child in the custody of the Department of Human Services.

The investigation is ongoing and it is not clear what legal action will or may be taken. The Times reported that the minimum age that can be sentenced to juvenile prison in Virginia is 11, and a 6-year-old cannot be charged as an adult. “The juvenile justice system is not really designed to deal with very young children who commit felonies, and probably not the right place to deal with situations like this,” said University of Virginia Law School professor Andrew Block.

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Block told The Post that children under the age of 7 generally do not have the capacity to form the intent to commit a crime, nor do they have the mental capacity to understand what it means to stand trial. “You must understand the nature of the proceedings against you and assist in your own defence. There is no way a six-year-old child can meet these criteria,” he said.

During a press conference on January 9, Drew reiterated that the shooting "was not accidental", adding that "it was intentional" and suggested that the child did not intend or attempt to shoot any of his classmates. He also said teachers were interviewed at the scene and authorities would be working with child psychologists to talk to children who witnessed the shooting in the coming days.

School superintendent George Parker also spoke at the press conference, where he noted that the school board was offering psychological support to children who were present at the time of the shooting. The elementary school does not currently have metal detectors, but Parker said they will look into all security options in the future.

Last year, Virginia Republicans blocked a gun possession bill.

Following news of the shooting, several members of the Democratic Caucus of the Virginia House of Representatives tweeted about Schuyler T. Van Valkenburgh's 2022 bill HB 590, which sought to force any gun owner living in a home with children to "unload their firearm in a locked container or closet.

As ForumDaily wrote earlier:

• In Virginia 6 year old schoolboy during slitter shot at the teacher.

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