A Virginia teacher who was sh*t and seriously injured by a 6-year-old student has been awarded $10 million in damages after a jury ruled in her favor, marking a major legal victory in a case that has drawn national attention.
The teacher, identified as Abby Zwerner, filed a lawsuit against her school district earlier this year, claiming that administrators ignored multiple warnings that the young boy was armed and posed a threat on the day of the incident.
According to court documents, several staff members had raised alarms hours before the sh*oting took place, telling administrators that the child had shown a firearm to another student and threatened to harm someone. Despite these warnings, no one searched the child’s backpack or removed him from class.
Moments later, tragedy struck. During a first-grade lesson, the boy pulled out a handgun and fired, striking Zwerner in the hand and chest. Despite her injuries, she managed to escort the rest of her students to safety, an act many have called heroic.
Zwerner survived but required multiple surgeries and months of recovery. In her emotional testimony, she told the court that the event left her with both physical scars and deep emotional trauma. “Every day, I relive that moment,” she said. “No one should ever have to fear being harmed by a student, especially not a child that young.”
Her lawsuit alleged gross negligence by the Newport News School District, accusing officials of failing to act on repeated red flags. The jury agreed, awarding her $10 million in compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Zwerner’s attorney said the verdict sends a powerful message about accountability in school safety. “This isn’t just about one teacher — it’s about every educator who deserves to feel safe in the classroom,” he stated after the ruling.
The school district’s representatives expressed sympathy for Zwerner but said they were “reviewing legal options” and considering an appeal. Meanwhile, the community remains divided over how such a tragedy could have occurred — and what changes are needed to prevent it from happening again.
Experts say the case highlights serious questions about security procedures in elementary schools and how districts handle behavioral issues among very young students.
“This case should be a wake-up call,” said a child safety advocate. “Schools must take every threat seriously, no matter how young the child may be. Prevention must come before tragedy.”
Since the incident, new safety protocols have reportedly been implemented at the school, including enhanced bag checks, classroom monitoring systems, and improved crisis response training for staff.
As for Zwerner, she continues to heal and hopes her story will inspire reform. “I love teaching,” she said. “But teachers can’t protect children if they aren’t protected themselves.”
The case serves as a sobering reminder that safety in schools isn’t just about students — it’s about the educators who dedicate their lives to them.
