NEWPORT NEWS, Va. A former assistant principal ignored crucial warning signs that a 6-year-old Virginia boy brought a gun to school, leading to the shocking injury of a first-grade teacher, Abigail Zwerner. In a verdict delivered on November 6, 2025, a jury awarded Zwerner $10 million in damages after finding that gross negligence contributed to the incident that occurred at Richneck Elementary School on January 6, 2023. The jury deliberated for approximately six hours over two days before reaching their decision. Following the verdict, Zwerner, who was shot in the hand and chest by the young student, stood silently with her family as her attorney, Diane Toscano, expressed gratitude for the jury's agreement that the incident could have been avoided. Toscano emphasized the hope that Zwerners story would inspire changes in school safety protocols. "I remember just three years ago, almost to this date hearing for the first time Abbys story, and thinking that this could have been prevented. Were very happy with the outcome for today," Toscano stated outside the courthouse. Zwerner's lawsuit pointed to the actions, or lack thereof, of the school's assistant principal, Ebony Parker, as a key factor in the tragedy. Testimony from fellow teachers suggested that Parker was informed multiple times that students had seen the boy with a gun in his backpack, yet she did not intervene. It wasn't until after Zwerner was shot that the weapon was confiscated from the child. Zwerners attorney, Kevin Biniazan, conveyed the gravity of Parkers role, stating, "What does that mean? That means you cant stick your head in the sand." This sentiment resonates significantly as advocates for school safety urge for better protocols and responsive measures when threats are identified. In Parker's defense, her attorney, Sandra Douglas, contended that Parker was not legally obligated to prevent the incident. Douglas argued that Parker's perceived inaction did not amount to gross negligence, framing the outcomes as not her responsibility. Regardless, Parker remains entwined in further legal troubles; she faces criminal charges of felony child abuse and neglect arising from her alleged negligence during the incident, with a trial set to commence later this month. As the legal battles unfold, a complex financial landscape looms over the verdict. The damages awarded to Zwerner are expected to be covered by the Virginia Risk Sharing Association (VRSA), a pool of insurance designed for public bodies such as the Newport News School Board. However, should Parker be found guilty in her subsequent criminal trial, there could be legal questions regarding whether the insurance remains liable to pay Zwerner. Legal experts suggest that if Parker is found guilty, the insurance providers might see that as grounds to deny coverage to Zwerner, complicating the outcome of this harsh situation. Zwerner's legal team underscored that the verdict sends a powerful message regarding school safety, echoing broader concerns over gun violence in educational environments. "We cant let these kinds of school shootings, whether individual or part of a larger trend, continue," lawyer Jeffrey Breit remarked. "This verdict reminds people that accountability must be prioritized when it comes to protecting students and teachers alike." As incidents of gun violence in schools become a critical issue within our communities, Zwerner's case exemplifies the urgent necessity for reviews and reforms in school safety policies. In light of increasing calls to action, such a verdict may resonate widely within the broader conversation about how gun culture interacts with educational environments, pushing for systemic change.