Many questions remain unanswered after a 6-year-old student allegedly shot and injured a teacher at a Newport News, Virginia, elementary school.
Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones said in a statement this weekend that police were “working diligently to get an answer to the question we are all asking — how did this happen?”
Police tape hangs from a sign post outside Richneck Elementary School, January 7, 2023, in Newport News, Virginia.
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What we know
Abigail Zwerner, a 25-year-old Richneck Elementary School teacher, was shot with a handgun on Friday in a first grade classroom, police said.
She was initially hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
“Abigail wanted me to tell you all … that she is in stable condition and she is thankful for the thoughts and prayers,” Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said at a news conference Monday.
Zwerner was giving class instruction when the student pointed the gun at her and fired one round, Drew said, adding that there was no physical struggle or fight.
Zwerner took a defensive position and raised her hand, and the bullet went through her hand and then into her chest, the chief said.
After Zwerner was shot, she ushered all of her students out of the classroom, the chief said, adding that she was the last person to leave that class.
The chief called Zwerner “a hero,” and said she’s repeatedly asked how her students are doing.
No students were injured and the 6-year-old suspect was taken into custody.
A school sign wishing students a “Happy New Year” is seen outside Richneck Elementary School, Jan. 7, 2023, in Newport News, Virginia.
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The gun
Drew said officials were looking into how the 6-year-old obtained the handgun.
Authorities haven’t made public who owns the gun or how the 6-year-old got the gun into the school.
A motive has also not been released. Authorities haven’t elaborated on the altercation between the student and teacher but the police chief told reporters Friday that the shooting was not accidental.
A empty basketball court is seen outside Richneck Elementary School, Jan. 7, 2023, in Newport News, Virginia.
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The 6-year-old
The mayor didn’t release where the 6-year-old is being held but he told The Associated Press, “We are ensuring he has all the services that he currently needs right now.”
Asked by CNN on Sunday what will happen next for the suspect and if the 6-year-old’s parents could be held responsible, the mayor replied, “There’s a lot of questions that we have to answer.”
“Because it remains an investigation, we’re going to let itself work out before we rush to judgment at this time,” Jones said. “The individuals responsible will be held accountable — I can promise that.”
ABC News’ Meredith Deliso, Ivan Pereira and Ben Siu contributed to this report.