A Teacher's Fight for Justice After a School Shooting

A teacher's life changed forever when a young student brought a gun to school. Abigail Zwerner, a former educator in Virginia, shared her harrowing experience in court. She described feeling like she was dying or already in heaven after being shot by a 6-year-old boy. The bullet is still inside her chest, and doctors say removing it could be more dangerous than leaving it there.

The Lawsuit

Zwerner's testimony is central to her $40 million lawsuit against a former assistant principal. She believes the shooting could have been prevented if the school staff had acted on warnings about the boy. Other teachers had reported seeing a gun in the boy's backpack, but the assistant principal allegedly ignored these warnings.

The Aftermath

The shooting has left Zwerner with both physical and emotional scars. She struggles with simple tasks like opening a bag of chips or a water bottle. The psychological impact is also significant. She recalled breaking down when her family planned to watch "Hamilton," a musical that includes scenes of dueling.

The Trial

During the trial, the defense suggested that Zwerner could have taken more action herself. She admitted that she didn't do more because she believed the administration would handle the situation. The defense also pointed out that Zwerner attended a Taylor Swift concert and works part-time at a gym, suggesting she isn't as damaged as she claims.

Moving Forward

Zwerner has left teaching and completed cosmetology school, hoping to start a new career in beauty. She has spoken publicly about the permanent emotional wounds from the shooting. The case is now focused solely on the former assistant principal, and any verdict would be paid by an insurance pool that includes the school board.