The Breakdown 40

• Abby Zwerner, a dedicated first-grade teacher in Newport News, Virginia, was tragically shot by her 6-year-old student during a classroom incident in January 2023, resulting in life-altering injuries that narrowly missed her heart.
• Following the shooting, Zwerner bravely pursued justice by filing a civil lawsuit against Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal, claiming negligence for ignoring multiple warnings about the student's possession of a gun before the incident.
• In a landmark ruling, a jury awarded Zwerner $10 million, finding Parker grossly negligent in her failure to protect both students and staff from a foreseeable danger.
• This verdict not only delivers a measure of accountability for school administrators but also serves as a powerful statement on the necessity of prioritizing safety in educational environments.
• The case has sparked national conversations about school safety, gun control, and the responsibilities that educators and administrators hold in safeguarding their students.
• Zwerner's ordeal remains a poignant reminder of the dire consequences of neglecting warning signs in schools, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.