A Big Win for a Brave Teacher

A Virginia teacher, Abigail Zwerner, received a $10 million verdict after being shot by a 6-year-old student who brought a gun to class. Zwerner described the moment, saying she believed she was dying.

Jury Finds School Official Negligent

The jury determined that the school's assistant principal, Ebony Parker, failed to take sufficient action to prevent the shooting. Despite four warnings from teachers that the child might have a gun, Parker did not intervene, assuming a 6-year-old would not bring a weapon to school.

Parker now faces criminal charges for child abuse and neglect. The boy's mother is already imprisoned for child neglect after leaving a loaded gun accessible to her son.

The Shooting and Aftermath

The incident occurred in January 2023. The child fired at close range, with the bullet passing through Zwerner's hand and lodging in her chest. She underwent six surgeries and still struggles with basic tasks like opening a water bottle.

Zwerner sued both the school and Parker, seeking $40 million. The judge ruled that only Parker was liable. Her lawyer argued that Parker's negligence directly contributed to the tragedy.

Defense Arguments and Zwerner's Struggles

Parker's lawyer claimed that no one could have predicted such an event and that Parker was being unfairly blamed. She presented messages from Zwerner after the shooting, suggesting she was recovering and attending concerts.

However, Zwerner testified that she still feels emotionally distant from others, despite loving them. The jury ultimately held Parker responsible for the shooting and its consequences.