Teacher shot by 6-year-old student sues school officials for $40 million
PBS NewsHourFEB 22 2023
The Facts
On Monday, Deja Taylor, the mother of a six-year-old boy who shot an elementary school teacher in Newport News, Va., in January was indicted by a grand jury on felony child neglect and a firearms charge.
The unidentified boy shot Abby Zwerner in her Richneck Elementary School classroom with a gun that, according to police, was legally purchased by Taylor. An attorney for Taylor said the weapon had a trigger lock and was stored on the top shelf of a closet.
The boy’s family described him as having an “acute disability,” which usually required him to have parental supervision in class. The week of the shooting was his first without such supervision. The school confirmed it received warnings he had a weapon before the shooting but didn't find a gun when searching his belongings.
The Spin
Narrative A
Charging Taylor for this incident is just a small first step toward justice for Zwerner. Charges against the school should also be seriously considered, as everyone involved with this avoidable tragedy should be held accountable.
Narrative B
This incident shouldn’t inspire a search for justice; it should motivate gun owners and politicians to advocate for better gun safety, including tighter regulations on storing guns out of the reach of children.
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