A Virginia teacher who was shot by her six-year-old pupil has been awarded $10 million in damages after a jury found school administrators negligent for ignoring multiple warnings that the child had brought a firearm to school.
The Shooting Incident and Legal Proceedings
Abigail Zwerner, a former teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, was seriously injured when her six-year-old student shot her in January 2023. The incident occurred after the boy brought a 9mm handgun from his home to school concealed within his backpack.
Despite her injuries, Zwerner demonstrated remarkable courage by evacuating her students to safety before seeking medical attention for herself. She has since undergone five separate hand surgeries and continues to live with a bullet permanently lodged in her chest.
School Administration's Negligence
During the civil lawsuit heard on 27 October 2023, evidence revealed that assistant principal Ebony Parker had received several reports from students indicating the young boy possessed a gun on school premises. Zwerner's legal team successfully argued that Parker failed to act appropriately on these warnings.
Lawyers representing Parker contended that the shooting was an unforeseeable event, though the jury ultimately sided with Zwerner's negligence claims. The former assistant principal now faces a separate criminal trial next month on charges of child abuse and neglect.
Broader Implications and Related Cases
The case forms part of a growing legal examination of responsibility in school shooting incidents. Deja Taylor, the shooter's mother, received a 21-month prison sentence in 2023 for federal charges including possessing a firearm while using controlled substances.
These consecutive legal proceedings are establishing important precedents regarding the accountability of both parents and educational staff in preventing firearm violence within schools. The verdict highlights ongoing concerns about school safety protocols and administrative responsiveness to potential threats.
As Zwerner continues her recovery, the substantial damages award represents a significant acknowledgment of the lifelong impact the shooting has had on her health and career, while sending a clear message about institutional responsibility in education settings.
