Story perspectives

Teacher Testifies Against Ex-Principal in School Shooting Case

11/1/2025

Summary

Story summary

Abby Zwerner, a first-grade teacher, testified in a civil trial against former assistant principal Ebony Parker, alleging Parker ignored warnings about a 6-year-old student with a gun at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia.
Zwerner recounted the shooting on January 6, 2023, and described ongoing physical and emotional struggles, including PTSD.
Experts testified about her life-threatening injuries and the impact on her mental health.
The jury will reconvene on Monday.

History

Historical Context

The January 6, 2023, shooting at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, where teacher Abby Zwerner was shot by a six-year-old student, reflects a troubling trend in U.S. school violence. Following the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, school shootings surged by 50%, prompting calls for stricter gun control and highlighting systemic failures in addressing student threats.

1 of 2

Story summary

Abby Zwerner, a first-grade teacher, testified in a civil trial against former assistant principal Ebony Parker, alleging Parker ignored warnings about a 6-year-old student with a gun at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia.
Zwerner recounted the shooting on January 6, 2023, and described ongoing physical and emotional struggles, including PTSD.
Experts testified about her life-threatening injuries and the impact on her mental health.
The jury will reconvene on Monday.

1 / 2