VA Elementary Teacher Abigail Zwerner ID’d As Victim ‘Intentionally’ Shot By 6-Year-Old Student Friday ‘Life-Threatening’

NEWPORT NEWS, VA. (THECOUNT) — Abigail Phyllis Zwerner, of Williamsburg, Virginia, has been identified as the First Grade teacher intentionally shot in her Newport News classroom by a 6-year-old student on Friday.

Zwerner, 25, remains in critical condition after she was shot in the chest by a 6-year-old male student on Friday at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News.

According to reports, police responded to reports of a shooting at Richneck Elementary School on Tyner Drive in Newport News on Friday around 2 p.m. When they arrived, Zwerner, an alum of the school, was found suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to the chest.

Zwerner was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening gunshot injuries. As of Monday morning, she is said to be in stable but critical condition.

In a press conference later that evening, city officials said the shooting was “not accidental,” confirming it occurred in a first-grade classroom during an argument with a male student.

No one else was injured during the incident.

The school announced that it will remain closed from January 9 through January 13 to allow students and staff time to process and grieve.

Principal Briana Foster Newton released the following statement:

“First, our thoughts and prayers remain with Ms. Zwerner, who sustained serious injuries. We were happy to learn today that she is in stable condition and is talking with family and friends.”

DEVELOPING::

Geo quick facts: Newport News is an independent city in the U.S. state of Virginia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 180,719. In 2019, the population was estimated to be 179,225, making it the fifth-most populous city in Virginia. Newport News is included in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area – Wikipedia.