Abigail Zwerner of Virginia, who suffered serious injuries when police claim a 6-year old student shot her in class, said that her recovery is still difficult.
Zwerner spoke publicly for the first-time after multiple operations following her shooting in the upper chest and left hand. Savannah Guthrie, “TODAY” anchor, said Zwerner that her occupational therapy appointments had left her mentally and physically exhausted.
Some days are difficult, and I’m unable to get out of bed. Zwerner, 25, said that there are some days where it is easier than others. She was wearing a bandage on her left hand after having a fourth surgery to repair a severely fractured bone.
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She said that physical scars are beginning to heal, and she cited a wound on her side where doctors placed a tube into her chest after her lung collapsed.
Virginia elementary school teacher Abigail Zwerner in Virginia on Monday.
Carlos Bernate for NBC News
Zwerner, a first grade teacher at Richneck Elementary School, Newport News, said, “But, you understand, for going through the things I’ve been through, I try not to lose heart.” “You know what, try to keep a positive outlook on the past and look forward to my future.”
Zwerner was highly praised for her handling the shooting. She escorted around 20 students safely to safety. For nearly two weeks, she was in hospital.
In an interview on Monday with NBC News, she stated that her left hand still has some limitations. This makes simple tasks like opening a water bottle, dressing, and making a fist difficult. According to her, doctors are not sure if she will be able use her left hand as before.
Physical therapy can be mentally and physically exhausting. She said that she should be moving her fingers once an hour, all day. “Just manipulating them to get blood flowing and get the movement back in the hand.”
Concerns were raised about security breaches at the kindergarten-to-fifth-grade school, and in a school area that has been rattled by gun violence in local schools over the past 18 months.
Police tape hangs from a signpost outside Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Va., after the shooting.
Jay Paul / Getty Images file
Zwerner’s law firm is expected to file a lawsuit within two weeks.
Lawyer Diane Toscano stated that there were many failures in the case and that there were adults in positions of authority that could’ve prevented this tragedy from occurring.
Toscano stated that Zwerner was a troubled student who had behavior issues and had a history of problematic interactions with other students.
A notice of intent to sue was sent to Newport News school board Jan. 24. The boy received a one-day suspension for violating Zwerner’s cell phone. He returned the next day with a 9mm Taurus handgun which he used to shoot at his teacher in class while she sat at the reading table.
Toscano stated that three teachers had spoken to school officials about the boy’s behavior, and the suspicion that he was carrying a gun on campus. A source close to the matter said that Zwerner had text a friend before she was injured, claiming that the boy was armed. The school officials failed to take action.
The family released a statement following the shooting. They stated that the weapon was secured in their home and that they are committed to responsible gun ownership.
According to the family, the boy also has an acute disability. He was being treated at a medical facility following the shooting.
Newport News police interviewed students and school staff before turning the case over to the Newport News Commonwealth’s attorney in February for possible criminal prosecutions.
Police claimed that the child’s mother purchased the gun legally, but they haven’t provided any details about how or if the gun was secured as the family claims.
Howard Gwynn , the local prosecutor, told NBC News that although a 6-year old child could theoretically be charged under Virginia law with a crime, he wouldn’t pursue charges against him.
