Teacher Abby Zwerner: Harrowing Shooting and $10 Million Verdict
#school_safety #legal_litigation #gun_violence #education #teacher
Teacher Abby Zwerner’s Harrowing Experience
Abby Zwerner, a first-grade teacher in Newport News, Virginia, was shot by a 6-year-old student in January 2023. During class, the student pulled out a 9mm pistol and fired, injuring Zwerner’s left hand and lodging a bullet in her chest. Despite her severe injuries, she managed to escort her students to safety before collapsing. The gun was reportedly brought in the child’s backpack, owned by his mother[1].
Legal Battle and Jury Verdict
Zwerner sued the school administrator, Ebony Parker, accusing her of ignoring repeated warnings about the student potentially carrying a gun. Testimonies from other teachers confirmed these warnings were dismissed. In October 2025, a jury awarded Zwerner $10 million, finding Parker grossly negligent for failing to act, which led to the shooting[2].
Ongoing Impact
The bullet remains in Zwerner’s chest, a lasting reminder of the trauma she endured. This verdict highlights the critical need for school safety measures and accountability when warnings about threats are overlooked, aiming to prevent such tragedies in the future[1][2].
