NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) – A jury in Virginia awarded $10 million to former teacher Abby Zwerner after she was shot by a 6-year-old student in January 2023. The lawsuit positioned former assistant principal Ebony Parker as culpable for allegedly ignoring multiple warnings that the child may have had a gun. Zwerner endured extensive medical procedures and continues to deal with the consequences of her injuries.
The incident generated nationwide concern about how young students could access firearms and the role of school authorities in safeguarding staff and students. Zwerner’s legal team asserted that Parker had a duty of care and could have acted upon reports about the weapon before the shooting occurred.
Who would think a 6-year-old would bring a gun to school and shoot their teacher? asked Zwerner’s attorney, Diane Toscano. During the trial, it was emphasized that school officials are responsible for taking reports about potential threats seriously.
Despite facing scrutiny for her perceived inaction, Parker did not take the stand during the proceedings. Her attorney argued against what he labeled as 'hindsight bias,' urging the jurors to evaluate her actions in the context of the information available at the time.
The child has been a subject of analysis, given he was reported to have accessed the gun from his mother’s purse, which has raised further concerns about gun safety at home. The mother was sentenced to prison for her negligence. The broader discussion continues around firearm access and the implications for educational environments.
This lawsuit and verdict not only highlight a specific incident but also illustrate ongoing issues of supervision and protection within schools, along with the impacts of gun laws and child safety in the U.S. Zwerner has since moved on from teaching and is pursuing a new career as a licensed cosmetologist.
The incident generated nationwide concern about how young students could access firearms and the role of school authorities in safeguarding staff and students. Zwerner’s legal team asserted that Parker had a duty of care and could have acted upon reports about the weapon before the shooting occurred.
Who would think a 6-year-old would bring a gun to school and shoot their teacher? asked Zwerner’s attorney, Diane Toscano. During the trial, it was emphasized that school officials are responsible for taking reports about potential threats seriously.
Despite facing scrutiny for her perceived inaction, Parker did not take the stand during the proceedings. Her attorney argued against what he labeled as 'hindsight bias,' urging the jurors to evaluate her actions in the context of the information available at the time.
The child has been a subject of analysis, given he was reported to have accessed the gun from his mother’s purse, which has raised further concerns about gun safety at home. The mother was sentenced to prison for her negligence. The broader discussion continues around firearm access and the implications for educational environments.
This lawsuit and verdict not only highlight a specific incident but also illustrate ongoing issues of supervision and protection within schools, along with the impacts of gun laws and child safety in the U.S. Zwerner has since moved on from teaching and is pursuing a new career as a licensed cosmetologist.
