On Jan. 6, 2023, a first-grade teacher, Abby Zwerner, was shot by her 6-year-old student at Richneck Elementary School.
This timeline provides a breakdown of what happened the day of the shooting and the immediate aftermath. For a comprehensive timeline, including the sentencing of the 6-year-old student's mother, Abby Zwerner's victory in her civil lawsuit and the ex-assistant principal's upcoming criminal trial, click here.
Friday, January 6
SHOOTING OCCURS
The shooting happens around 2 p.m. News 3 later learns teacher Abby Zwerner was at her classroom's reading table when her first-grade student pulled out a gun and shot her. The bullet passed through her hand, pierced her chest, and caused significant injuries, including a collapsed lung.
POLICE ARRIVE
Tactical teams are sent into the building. A Newport News city councilman told News 3 a student was taken into custody.
Lawonda Sample-Rusk, a grandparent of two children at the school, told us that before first responders arrived, she and a receptionist stayed by the injured teacher's side. She applied pressure to the teacher's wounds before she was transported to Riverside Regional Medical Center.
PARENTS BEGIN ARRIVING AT REUNIFICATION CENTER
Once parents and guardians heard about the incident, they began to arrive at the school, desperate to reunite with their children.
According to Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew, all the children were taken to the school's gym, where counselors and officers were present. Guardians pick up their children at the reunification site at the gym door.
One man at the reunification center who has a nephew at Richneck Elementary told us, "When I pulled up there was a bunch of people gathered, trying to get their children. You know, a lot of people panicking, a lot of confusion, traffic backed up over there, nobody knew where to get the kids from, so we all had to walk all the way around. Everybody had to get their cars, and they had to drive over to the church."
POLICE CHIEF, MAYOR HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE
Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew shared the following details during the conference:
- A 6-year-old suspect, who is a student, is in custody
- An injured teacher was taken to Riverside Regional Medical Center
- Police deduced that the shooting was not accidental
Additionally, Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones commends the police for doing an "amazing" job responding to the situation. The school announces it will be closed the following Monday.
Saturday, January 7
TEACHER IDENTITY CONFIRMED
Multiple sources confirm to us that the injured teacher is Abby Zwerner.
Zwerner is a first-grade teacher, according to Richneck Elementary's website.
James Madison University also confirms her identity and shares that Zwerner is a JMU graduate.
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
Sunday, January 8
RICHNECK PRINCIPAL PROVIDES UPDATE
Briana Foster Newton, the Principal of Richneck Elementary School, says the following in a message:
- Abby Zwerner is awake and "talking with family and friends"
- The school is extending its temporary closure from just Monday to the entire school week (Monday, Jan. 9 to Friday, Jan. 13).
ANTI-GUN VIOLENCE RALLY
A "Stop the Violence Rally" took place on Sunday evening.
"We're trying to focus this on a mental issue more than just the violence part of it," said Devon Kelley, a Stop the Violence Peace Rally organizer.
Monday, January 9
Authorities gave an update Monday on the shooting of a Richneck Elementary School teacher by a 6-year-old student, and the community will later hold a candlelight vigil.
Police determined the 9mm handgun the 6-year-old suspect allegedly used was in the residence where he lived. It was legally purchased by the suspect's mother, police explained.
Drew said the teacher took a defensive position by raising her hand. The single bullet went through her hand and entered her chest.
The child suspect and parents have been interviewed by police. Drew furthered that the child was transported to a hospital where he was evaluated. Police say the child is now at a center receiving treatment.
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
A prayer vigil for Abby Zwerner is being held at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Admin Building on Warwick Boulevard. Attendees are encouraged to wear green, Richneck's school color, and bring candles.
Tuesday, January 10
ITEM PICK UP
Principal Newton said not all students were able to access their coats and backpacks during parent pickup on the day of the shooting, they will be able to retrieve their belongings at the school on Tuesday.
Thursday, January 12
VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
A virtual town hall is held for Richneck families to discuss a plan for the students' return to school.
During the town hall, former Superintendent Dr. George Parker III said school officials had been alerted before the shooting that the student involved may have had a weapon. He said a search of the boy's backpack found nothing.
School officials said metal detectors would be placed in all Newport News schools.
