Teacher Shot By 6-year-old To Sue School Over Inaction
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published January 26, 2023 | 09:10 AM
Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jan, 2023 ) :An American elementary school teacher shot by her six-year-old student plans to file a lawsuit against school authorities saying they ignored multiple warnings over the threat, her lawyer said Wednesday.
Attorney Diane Toscano said administrators at the Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia were warned three times on January 6 by her client Abigail Zwerner and other teachers that the boy could have a gun and was threatening others.
Zwerner survived the shooting, but was seriously injured.
That morning Zwerner, 25, told school administrators that the boy, who has not been identified, had threatened to beat up another child.
"But the school administration could not be bothered," Toscano said.
An hour later another teacher told them that the boy apparently brought a gun to school but she did not see it in his school bag, and that he might have it in his pockets.
A third teacher then reported that another student said while crying that he had seen the gun and been threatened with it.
Still no action was taken, and a school employee was denied permission to physically search the boy.
An administrator said the boy "has little pockets" and that the issue could be left until the school day ends.
"Tragically almost an hour later, violence struck at Richneck Elementary School. Abby Zwerner was shot in front of those horrified kids," said Toscano.
"This tragedy was entirely preventable if the school administrators responsible for school safety had done their part and taken action when they had knowledge of imminent danger," she said.
Zwerner survived being shot in the chest and is now recuperating at home, but faces more surgery.
Later Wednesday, Newport news authorities announced the decision to fire school district superintendent George Parker III "based on the future trajectory and needs of our school division." The school board stressed that the "decision was made without cause as Dr. Parker is a capable division leader" and thanked him for his service.
The case stunned much of the nation, given the age of the boy, even as the United States faces increasing numbers of school shootings.
The boy apparently removed his mother's gun from a closet. His parents issued a statement last week praising Zwerner and claiming that the gun had been secured.
They said the boy suffers from "an acute disability" and was under a special school care plan that usually involved a member of the family accompanying him to school and class.
"The week of the shooting was the first week when we were not in class with him," they said.
Because of his age, charges are not likely.
His parents could, however, face charges for allowing the child access to a gun.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Rawalpindi woman gives birth to six babies
Kenya Army Chief Francis Ogola among nine others who died in Helicopter crash
Saudi FM’s visit positive, constructive one: FO
Hania enjoys vacations in London
IMF Officials assure support to Pakistan’s economy
Naqvi directs foolproof measures for protection of Chinese nationals
Israel carries out attack inside Iran, report US media
Saudi Assistant Minister of Defence calls on army chief
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 19 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 19 April 2024
Rock-solid Ruud racks up season-leading win in Barcelona
At UN, Iran says it will make Israel 'regret' reprisals
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
6 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
4 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
5 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
8 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
10 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
12 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
12 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
12 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
12 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
14 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
14 days ago