Richneck Elementary School Closes to Give Students Time to Heal After Teacher is Shot by 6-Year-Old Student

Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, is closed through Friday to give students “time to heal” after a 6-year-old boy allegedly shot and injured a teacher on Friday. The teacher, who has been identified as Patience Zwerner, is known as a hard-working educator who is devoted to her students and enthusiastic about the profession that runs in her family.

Police Chief Steve Drew said the boy shot the teacher in a classroom and it was “not an accidental shooting.” Before the shot rang out, there had been an altercation between the teacher and the student, who had the firearm. Zwerner had life-threatening injuries, but was listed in stable condition, according to a statement issued Saturday by George Parker III, the Newport News Schools superintendent.

The incident has left the community in shock, with many questioning how a 6-year-old could have access to a firearm. The police are currently investigating the incident and have been in contact with the commonwealth attorney and other entities to help provide services to those affected.

Richneck Elementary School has closed for the week to give students time to heal. The school has also provided counseling services to students and staff. The community is rallying around Zwerner and her family, with many sending their thoughts and prayers.