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The family of a 6-year-old Virginia boy who reportedly shot his teacher this month said the gun he used was secured.
In a statement to NBC, the boy’s family also said he has an “acute disability” that required a parent to come to school with him every day. The boy has reportedly been hospitalized since the January 6 shooting at Richneck Elementary School which seriously injured Abigail Zwerner, 25.
“The week of the shooting was the first week when we were not in class with him. We will regret our absence on this day for the rest of our lives,” the child’s family said in a statement issued by attorney James Ellison.
“Our family has always been committed to responsible gun ownership and keeping firearms out of the reach of children. The firearm our son accessed was secured.”
The 6-year-old reportedly shot Zwerner as she taught 20 other students. Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said the gun belonged to the boy’s mother, who obtained it legally.
According to NBC, superintendent George Parker III stated that “at least one administrator” was aware of a possible weapon in the boy’s possession prior to the shooting.
On the day of the shooting, the boy reportedly arrived at school late and his backpack was inspected in the front office. It remains unclear why the gun was not located during that check.
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Despite the family’s latest statement, authorities have not said whether proper measures were taken to store his mother’s gun. No criminal charges have been filed in this case.
On Thursday, a spokesperson for Riverside Regional Medical Center told WTKR that Zwerner was released from the hospital.
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[Featured image: Abigail Zwerner/GoFundMe]
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