In a high-profile legal case that has drawn considerable attention, a Virginia teacher, Abigail Zwerner, who was shot by a 6-year-old student, is testifying in court regarding her actions on the day of the incident. As part of a $40 million negligence lawsuit, she is asserting that she never isolated the student from the class, a claim that is being contested by defense experts who argue that the former assistant principal, Ebony Parker, acted in accordance with professional standards.
The incident, which occurred on January 6, 2023, saw the child open fire in the classroom, with the bullet passing through Zwerner’s left hand and into her chest, narrowly missing her heart. The trauma of the event has left her with significant emotional and psychological effects, which she detailed during her testimony.
During the trial, the defense called upon Dr. Leigh Hagan, a forensic psychologist, to argue that the professional standards for evaluation in such legal cases require considering all available information and identifying any missing evidence. Hagan emphasized the importance of thorough evaluation in such legal contexts. Additionally, Dr. Amy Klinger, a national school-safety expert, testified that Parker’s decision to delay a search of the child was reasonable, citing that staff members were appropriately cautious when dealing with a 6-year-old.
Klinger emphasized that the actions of the school staff were measured and that the shooting was an unforeseeable act by a young child. Her testimony included that there was no evidence that Zwerner had secured students or immediately notified administrators of a serious infraction before the shooting occurred. Under questioning, Klinger also rejected claims that Parker sat idly at her desk as concerns came in, stating that she provided assistance when it was asked for.
The legal proceedings also involve a separate criminal trial for Parker, where she faces eight felony counts of child neglect, one for each of the eight bullets that endangered students in Zwerner’s classroom. The boy’s mother, Deja Taylor, is serving a two-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to federal gun and child neglect charges.
The case has sparked intense debate over school safety protocols and the handling of potential threats in educational institutions, with critics questioning the adequacy of the measures taken and advocating for stricter policies to prevent such incidents in the future.