Officials have revealed more details surrounding the shooting of a Virginia elementary school teacher.
On Friday, January 6, Richneck Elementary School teacher Abigail Zwerner was shot in her classroom by a six-year-old boy.
As reported by Sky News, the 25-year-old teacher was shot in the hand and chest while teaching her class at the Newport News school.
Police Chief Steve Drew has since described the shooting as "intentional", per News.com.au, with the young boy later being taken into police custody. Additionally, the shooting reportedly occurred without warning or a struggle, but Zwerner has since been hailed a hero after shouting at her other students to get to safety.
She then collapsed in the classroom.
Chief Drew added that the gun - a 9mm Taurus handgun - belonged to the boy's mother, and had been purchased legally. It has not yet been revealed how the child gained access to the firearm.
After being rushed to hospital with what were believed to be life-threatening injuries, she is now in a stable condition.
The six-year-old shooter is currently being held at a medical facility following an emergency custody order.
Now, News.com.au has reported that school system Superintendent George Parker has informed parents that at least one school official was aware that the child was in possession of the weapon hours before the shooting took place.
However, the Newport News school superintendent then revealed that after searching the boy's backpack, no weapon was ever found or confiscated.
Parents were informed by Superintendent Parker: "At least one [unnamed] administrator was notified of a possible weapon in the timeline that we’re reviewing and was aware that that student had […] a weapon on campus."
It has not been revealed how the unnamed administrator became aware of the boy's possession of the firearm, but Chief Drew had previously said that the weapon was brought into the school in the boy's backpack. No further details as to why the firearm was never seized were provided.
Despite being for parents of students at the school, the virtual town hall was broadcast by WAVY-TV after one parent provided the station with access.
Superintendent Parker has revealed that the school's security measures are due to be increased, along with other schools in the area.
This will include a buzzer system, walk-through metal detectors, and a double entranceway. Additionally, officials may also require students to use clear plastic backpacks.
Shortly after the shooting, Superintendent Parker said in a statement: "Today our students got a lesson in gun violence. And what guns can do disrupt to not only an educational environment but also a family, a community."
In Virginia, six-year-olds cannot legally be tried as adults. And if found guilty, the boy is also too young to be committed to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
We wish Zwerner the very best with her recovery.
