On January 6th, 2021, Abigail Zwerner, a first-grade teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia was shot by one of her students. The shooter was just six years old. In her first interview since the incident, Abigail Zwerner recounted what she experienced that day and how it changed her life forever.
Zwerner remembered feeling “terrified” when the student pointed the gun at her. In that moment, all she could think about was getting her students out of the classroom to safety. She didn’t realize that she had been shot until after she had gotten them out and collapsed in the office. Then came the realization that if it weren’t for one crucial detail—the bullet passing through her left hand before lodging itself in her chest—she might not have survived.
Though Zwerner has undergone four surgeries since then, most recently on her hand which still cannot be used fully due to nerve damage from being struck by the bullet, she is doing OK and trying to stay positive despite this traumatic experience. She expressed deep appreciation for all of those who have reached out with support during this difficult time—friends, family members, and even strangers who are sending words of encouragement or offering assistance in any way they can.
It appears that charges will not be sought against the young perpetrator as he is said to suffer from an “acute disability” and his parents regret their absence on that day immensely. But Diane Toscano, Zwerner’s attorney has alleged negligence on behalf of school administrators who were informed three times on that same day about potential danger yet failed to act upon it according to legal documents sent to Newport News School Board prior to any possible lawsuit against them for their inaction leading up to this eventful day which could have ended very differently than it did if properly addressed ahead of time .
Abigail Zwerner has been dealing with physical injuries as well as emotional ones ever since this tragedy happened, but with support from those around her and a desire within herself to stay positive throughout such a difficult time — plus awareness regarding proper procedures when signs or reports come forward about potential danger — hopefully, we can prevent such events from happening again so no other teachers or students need face similar circumstances as Abigail did ever again.
Sources: CNN.com
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