Abigail Zwerner Opens up About Grueling Recovery After Being Shot by 6-Year-old Student

Abigail Zwerner's grueling recovery after the shooting was broadcast live on the air.

The Virginia teacher who was shot by her 6-year-old student during class has spoken publicly for the first time about her grueling recovery in an interview on the "TODAY" show.

Zerner admitted facing obstacles and challenges in her recovery, including multiple operations on her left hand and upper chest.

As mentioned in the TODAY show, she also attends occupational therapy appointments that exhaust her physically and mentally.

Although her physical scars heal, her left hand still does not function fully, making even the simplest tasks difficult.

Abigail Zwerner's grueling recovery

During an exclusive interview, first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner spoke publicly for the first time since the January 6 shooting.

She mentioned that there are days when she struggles to get out of bed, but there are also days when she can go about her day and attend appointments.

Despite her challenges, Zwerner stated that she tries to maintain a positive outlook on her experiences and the direction of her future.

According to ABC, Abigail Zwerner's recovery has been long and painful, but she remains optimistic.

Although she faces numerous challenges and obstacles, she remains determined to continue to work with children and helps positively impact their lives.

Zwerner, a first-grade teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, was hailed for her handling of the shooting, where she escorted around 20 students to safety.

The shooting has raised concerns about potential security failures at the school and in the school district, which has been rattled by other incidents of gun violence in the past 18 months.

According to Diane Toscano, Zwerner's attorney, a lawsuit related to the case will be filed in two weeks.

Toscano alleged that there were multiple failures in this case and that there were adults in positions of authority who could have prevented the tragedy but failed to do so.

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The school shooting incident of the 6-year-old Virginia boy

In a notice of intent to sue provided to the Newport News school board, it was revealed that the boy had been given a one-day suspension for breaking Zwerner's cell phone and returned the next day with a 9mm Taurus handgun that he used to shoot her in the classroom while she sat at a reading table.

On the day of the incident, three teachers expressed their worries to the school administration about the boy's conduct and the possibility that he was carrying a gun on the school premises.

NBC reported that Zwerner had sent a text message to a close acquaintance before getting injured, indicating that the student was armed and school officials were not taking any action.

It has also been confirmed that the boy who shot Zwerner had a history of challenging interactions with school personnel and other pupils.

The family of the 6-year-old boy released a statement saying that the weapon was secured in the home.

The parents of the 6-year-old boy also stated that they have always been committed to responsible gun ownership and keeping firearms out of the reach of children.

There have been significant changes in the school system following the shooting incident. The Newport News schools and Richneck have implemented changes, such as installing metal detectors.

Additionally, the school board members removed Schools Superintendent George Parker III from his position without providing any reasons less than three weeks after the shooting.

Furthermore, Richneck's principal was transferred to a different role within the school district.

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