The family of the Newport News boy who shot his teacher earlier this month has spoken out about the incident and said the gun used in the shooting was secured.
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In their first public statement since the shooting of Richneck Elementary School teacher Abigail Zwerner, the boy’s family said their son suffers from an “acute disability” and called Zwerner a diligent teacher who provided support to help with his needs. “Our heart goes out to our son’s teacher, and we pray for her healing in the aftermath of such an unimaginable tragedy as she selflessly served our son and the children in the school. She has worked diligently and compassionately to support our family as we sought the best education and learning environment for our son,” the family wrote. They added that the gun used in the shooting was secured but it is unclear how he was able to access it as a reported by CBS News.
Zwerner was released from the Riverside Regional Medical Center earlier this week and will continue her recovery at an outpatient facility. The family added that their son was under a “care plan” which required one of the parents to observe his behavior in the classroom.
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The family said the day of the shooting was the only day they were not present in the classroom.
“We will regret our absence on this day for the rest of our lives,”
Since the shooting, the boy has been receiving treatment at a hospital, and his family thanked the medical staff for helping them out.
“We continue to pray for his teacher’s full recovery, and for her loved ones who are undoubtedly upset and concerned. At the same time, we love our son and are asking that you please include him and our family in your prayers.”
As previously reported, Zwerner was shot by the student after she and the boy reportedly had an “argument.” Investigators said she attempted to defend herself from the gun by putting her hand in front of other chest but the bullet went through her hand and into her chest. While she was injured, Zwerner told the other students to run to a safer location to prevent any more violence in her classroom.Another school employee heard the shooting from the hallway and was able to restrain the six-year-old boy as the authorities arrived at the scene.
Earlier this week, parents attended a board meeting regarding the safety of students and increased security in the school building.
“I want behaviors held accountable, I want to change. I don’t want to have a family dinner where I talk about where my kids will hide in their school. I would rather be discussing archery practice or listening to the adventures of a 4th-grade safety patrol. There need to be accountabilities in the rights and responsibility handbook.”