Key takeaways:
- Abigail Zwerner, a first-grade teacher in Newport News, Virginia, was allegedly shot by a 6-year-old student in her classroom in January.
- The 6-year-old student was charged with two counts of aggravated malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm on school property.
- The incident has sparked debate about gun control and school safety, and Zwerner hopes it will lead to more conversations about gun safety and the need for more resources to help children in need.
A first-grade teacher in Newport News, Virginia, Abigail Zwerner, has spoken out for the first time since she was allegedly shot by a 6-year-old student in her classroom in January. Zwerner told NBC’s Savannah Guthrie in an interview that she has tried to “stay positive” despite the traumatic incident.
Zwerner was reading to her students when she noticed the 6-year-old boy pointing a 9 mm handgun at her. She recalled the look on his face and the fear that consumed her as the day dragged on and school officials didn’t act.
The teacher was hospitalized with gunshot wounds to the hand and chest. She told NBC that some days are harder than others and that she has to stay positive to get through the trauma.
The 6-year-old student was charged with two counts of aggravated malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm on school property. The student’s parents were also charged with child neglect.
The incident at Richneck Elementary School has sparked debate about gun control and school safety. Zwerner said she hopes that the incident will lead to more conversations about gun safety and the need for more resources to help children in need.
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