Teacher Sues School for $40M After Being Shot by 6-Year-Old Student

Two years ago, in 2023, a tragic incident occurred at Richneck Elementary School in Virginia when a 6-year-old student shot and injured his teacher, Abby Zwerner. Now, in 2025, Zwerner has filed a $40 million lawsuit against the school, alleging that former assistant principal Ebony Parker ignored warnings that the student had a gun.

The lawsuit claims that Parker was aware of the student's history of violent behavior and that there were concerns about him potentially bringing a weapon to school. However, Parker allegedly failed to take appropriate action to address these warnings and ensure the safety of the classroom.

The case has become a test of the legal duty that school officials have to prevent such tragedies and maintain a safe learning environment for students and teachers. As the court proceedings unfold, the outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for how schools across the country approach issues of student safety and security.