The 6-year-old student who shot and injured his teacher at a Virginia elementary school last week used a gun legally purchased by his mother, authorities said on Monday.
The student had taken the gun from his residence and put it in his backpack before bringing it to Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said Monday. Drew said the 9mm handgun had been legally purchased by the student’s mother in York County.
Drew previously said the shooting was not accidental and reiterated that it was a deliberate shooting on Monday. “It was intentional,” Drew said.
Drew said the student had “the gun on his person” before firing it at his teacher, Abby Zwerner, while she was teaching his first-grade class on Friday.
“What we know today is that she was providing instruction. He displayed a firearm, he pointed it and he fired one round,” Drew said. Before the gun was fired, there was no physical struggle over the gun, and no students were injured, he added.
Teacher made sure her students were safe
Zwerner, 25, was struck by a bullet through her hand and chest. Although her wound was initially considered life-threatening, Zwerner was in stable condition on Monday at an area hospital.
Drew, who described Zwerner as a “trooper” and “hero,” said the teacher was able to guide her students to safety after the shooting before seeking medical help for herself.
“She made a right turn and started down the hallway, and then she stopped. … She turned around and make sure every one of those students was safe,” Drew said. “I believe Ms. Zwerner saved lives on Friday.”
Drew said a school employee rushed into the classroom and physically restrained the boy after hearing the gunshot. He said the boy became “a little combative” and struck the employee.
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After police arrived, the boy was taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation and is currently undergoing court-ordered mental health treatment at an undisclosed facility.Authorities say it will be up to a judge to determine what the next steps are for the boy.
Authorities interview 6-year-old’s mother
With the investigation ongoing, police have declined to provide further details on what happened in the classroom or what may have led to the incident. Drew said the boy’s mother has been interviewed by police, but it is unclear whether she could potentially face any charges.
Gun owners can be prosecuted under a Virginia law that prohibits anyone from recklessly leaving a loaded, unsecured gun in a manner that endangers the life or limb of children under 14. A violation of that law is a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum jail sentence of one year and a maximum fine of $2,500.
To be tried as an adult in Virginia, a juvenile must be at least 14. A 6-year-old is also too young to be committed to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice if found guilty. A common law doctrine known as the “infancy defense” holds that children under 7 cannot be prosecuted for a crime because they are so young that they are incapable of forming criminal intent.
WHERE DID THE CHILD OBTAIN THE GUN?:A 6-year-old shot his teacher in Virginia, police say: What we know about the teacher’s condition, what happens next
Richneck Elementary School Principal Briana Foster Newton said in an update on the school’s website that the school will be closed for the week.
On Monday morning, Newport News community members gathered with a local pastor outside the school. A candlelight vigil in honor of Zwerner was planned for Monday night.
Contributing: The Associated Press
