NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - On Saturday, Jan. 7, Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said the teacher shot at Richneck Elementary School is in stable condition. Multiple sources confirmed to us that the teacher allegedly shot by a 6-year-old studentat the school is Abby Zwerner.
Additionally, James Madison University, Zwerner's alma mater, tweeted and confirmed that she was the teacher who was shot.
A message of support for JMU graduate Abby Zwerner from President Alger on behalf of the JMU community. pic.twitter.com/eAGRAKFEew
— JMU (@JMU) January 7, 2023
Zwerner is a first-grade teacher, according to Richneck Elementary School's website.
The shooting occurred on Friday, Jan. 6, during the school day around 2 p.m.
Police say a female teacher, who has since been identified by sources as Zwerner, was taken to Riverside Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
Parent reacts to student allegedly shooting teacher at Newport News school https://t.co/ekScuGHtj8 pic.twitter.com/fV9b0nTacr
— WTKR News 3 (@WTKR3) January 6, 2023
After investigating, Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said that the shooting was not accidental, and the police department has since taken the 6-year-old into custody.
It is currently unclear how the child got possession of the gun. No students were injured in this incident.
READ MORE: 'I just wanted to throw up': Parents react to shooting at Richneck Elem. School
This is an ongoing investigation, and we are working to learn more about the situation.
Newport News is a city of about 185,000 people in southeastern Virginia known for its shipyard, which builds the nation's aircraft carriers and other U.S. Navy vessels.
Richneck has about 550 students who are in kindergarten through fifth grade, according to the Virginia Department of Education’s website.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin released the statement Friday night:
"My administration has offered assistance in response to the shooting at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News and stand at the ready to help in any way we can. I am continuing to monitor the situation and am praying for the continued safety of all students and the community."
Stay with News 3 for updates.
