An attorney for Abby Zwerner, the first-grade teacher shot and injured by a 6-year-old pupil in Newport News, Virginia earlier this month, stated that Richneck Elementary School administrators “failed to act” on several allegations that the unidentified kid was armed.
Diane Toscano, Zwerner’s defense attorney, stated at a news conference on Wednesday that Zwerner and several other teachers filed reports on January 6 — the day Zwerner was shot. Toscano stated that the initial allegation was made between 11:15 and 11:30 a.m., when Zwerner informed administrators that the 6-year-old had threatened to assault another child. Toscano stated that the school did not act upon the report.
Toscano added that a second unidentified teacher went to school authorities at 12:30 p.m. and reported that she had examined the boy’s backpack because he was suspected of having a pistol.
“The teacher then tells that same administrator that she believes the boy put the gun in his pocket before he went outside for recess,” Toscano explained. “The administration was indifferent. The administrator dismissed the teacher’s report and the likelihood of a firearm by stating, and I quote, ‘Well, he has little pockets.’”
The shooting was purposeful, according to a police briefing on a 6-year-old accused of shooting a teacher. 14:59
Toscano claimed that just after 1 p.m., a third instructor went to administration and reported that another pupil had been found crying and terrified. The third instructor reported to the administration that another student claimed the 6-year-old showed him the gun during playtime and threatened to shoot him if he told anyone.
A fourth employee allegedly learned of the threat and requested permission from administrators to inspect the 6-year-rucksack, old’s but was denied.
“He was told to wait the situation out, because the school day was almost over,” Toscano claimed. Tragically, violence attacked Richneck Elementary School almost an hour later.
Toscano also stated that she informed the Newport News school board of her intention to pursue a lawsuit on behalf of Zwerner. She did not specify the basis for the case.
Zwerner was shot in front of her first-grade kids in a “intentional.” incident, according to the authorities. She was able to exit her classroom, and according to Toscano, another teacher restrained the 6-year-old boy.
The child brought the firearm from his house, according to police. His parents stated that the firearm was “secured,” and it is unclear how he obtained it.
Zwerner was admitted to the hospital on January 19 with life-threatening injuries and has been recuperating at home since. Toscano stated that the bullet is still lodged in Zwerner’s body and that the educator continues to endure surgery and physical therapy.
It is unknown what, if any, charges the 6-year-old will face. Currently, he is hospitalized.