A jury in Newport News, Virginia, awarded $10 million to first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner, who was shot by a 6-year-old student in her classroom at Richneck Elementary School in January 2023. Zwerner originally sought $40 million in her negligence lawsuit against former assistant principal Ebony Parker, the sole remaining defendant after claims against other school officials were dismissed. The verdict, reached after deliberations, marks a significant ruling on school safety failures.
The Tragic Shooting Incident
On January 6, 2023, Zwerner sat at a reading table in her classroom when the student fired a single shot from his mother’s .45-caliber handgun hidden in his backpack, striking her in the chest and hand. The bullet narrowly missed her heart and remains lodged in her chest, leading to nearly two weeks in the hospital, six surgeries, and ongoing limited use of her left hand. Zwerner heroically continued teaching her class after the shooting until paramedics arrived, an act that drew national attention.
Warnings Ignored by School Leadership
Multiple staff members warned Parker that morning that the child might have a gun, including reports of him reaching into his backpack and displaying a bulging pocket. Despite these alerts, Parker refused requests to search the student or remove him from class, prioritizing other duties instead. Zwerner’s attorneys argued during the trial that Parker’s gross negligence breached her duty to protect students and staff, a claim the jury upheld.
Legal Battle and Court Victories
Zwerner sued under Virginia’s tort claims act after overcoming school board arguments that workers’ compensation exclusively covered her injuries. State courts, including the Virginia Court of Appeals, ruled that a student shooting a teacher fell outside expected workplace risks, allowing the civil trial to proceed. Parker did not testify; both she and Zwerner resigned post-incident, with Zwerner now pursuing cosmetology while recovering.
Aftermath and Ongoing Cases
The $10 million award includes interest from June 1, 2024, providing financial relief amid Zwerner’s lasting injuries. Parker faces eight felony child neglect charges—one per bullet in the gun—with her criminal trial set for December 2025. The case has sparked debates on school gun policies and administrator accountability across the U.S..
[1](https://www.insurancejournal.com/magazines/mag-features/2025/12/01/848715.htm)
[2](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5q7ygx14zo)…