Abigail Zwerner shooting: Virginia boy, 6, who shot teacher is 'acutely disabled', says family
NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA: The family of the six-year-old Virginia boy who shot the first-grade teacher Abigail Zwerner in her classroom, said the "gun was secured." Following the near-fatal shooting earlier this month in Newport News Richneck Elementary school, the family says they were grieving with the nation on how this tragedy unfolded and praying for his teacher to heal as she selflessly helped their son, according to a statement from their attorney.
The family while sharing sympathy with the injured teacher has even claimed that the boy has an "acute disability" which needed either of his parents to attend school with him and accompany him to class every day. The family says it was the first week that either of the parents was not with him in school fact which they regret. Since the shooting, the statement added, the boy has been in a hospital receiving the “treatment he needs.”
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“Our family has always been committed to responsible gun ownership and keeping firearms out of the reach of children. The firearm our son accessed was secured,” according to the Thursday, 19 January statement provided by the family lawyer, James Ellenson, to different outlets including NBC.
Abigail Zwerner was teaching about 20 students when she was shot on January 6. According to officials, Zwerner is recovering after surviving the unfortunate incident. She is even reported to have bravely escorted all the students out as she kept bleeding from the gunshot wound. She even asked cops if all the students were safe as she was being rushed to the hospital.
“Our heart goes out to our son’s teacher and we pray for her healing in the aftermath of such an unimaginable tragedy as she selflessly served our son and the children in the school. She has worked diligently and compassionately to support our family as we sought the best education and learning environment for our son. We thank her for her courage, grace, and sacrifice. We grieve alongside all of the other teachers, families, and administrators for how this horrific incident has impacted them, our community, and the nation," the statement adds.
“Our son suffers from an acute disability and was under a care plan at the school that included his mother or father attending school with him and accompanying him to class every day. Additionally, our son has benefitted from an extensive community of care that also includes his grandparents working alongside us and other caregivers to ensure his needs and accommodations are met. The week of the shooting was the first week when we were not in class with him. We will regret our absence on this day for the rest of our lives.”