‘We’re going to get through this.’ Hours after police update, community prays for teacher shot at elementary school

NEWPORT NEWS — Candles flickered as the crowd huddled in the brisk wind.

Their numbers included educators, school personnel and others clad in green to support Abigail Zwerner, a first-grade teacher who police say was shot and seriously injured in her classroom by a 6-year-old student at Richneck Elementary School.

They had gathered Monday night outside the school division’s administration building for a vigil in her honor, hours after police and city officials provided an update on Friday’s shooting.

Officials have said Zwerner, who is from Williamsburg, is in stable condition at a local hospital after being struck by a single bullet in the hand and chest.

They described Zwerner, 25, as a hero who immediately went into action after being shot to protect the rest of her students.

[ School shooting updates: Police say 6-year-old used mother’s gun, and injured teacher’s actions ‘saved lives’ ]

Police Chief Steve Drew said Zwerner led the students — between 17 and 20 — out of the classroom, and every time he visits, she asks how they are doing. She saved lives, Drew said.

Rosalie List, Zwerner’s best friend and a fellow educator at Richneck Elementary, said she has cherished the past few years working with Zwerner, whose dedication to her students is among her best qualities.

“A few words to describe Abby are compassionate, loving, smart (and) kind-hearted,” List said.

Newport News Public Schools Superintendent George Parker attended the vigil after providing an update at the afternoon news conference.

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“While this is a tough time, I also want (others) to understand that not only do people need to see what we’re going through and understand that, but we also need to see how connected we are,” Parker said. “We can show our value and our love for children, even through tough times.”

Throughout the vigil, speakers paused to send prayers for Zwerner and her recovery. Chaplains and other school personnel joined to support the attendees, passing out bottles of water and candles.

Among the crowd, some began to softly sing the hymn “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” A group of children stood on top of a platform to watch.

The candles continued to flicker during the hymn, and the crowd raised them in solidarity as the vigil drew to a close.

Zwerner’s family has begun a GoFundMe page to cover her future living expenses as she recovers. Her twin sister, Hannah Zwerner, wrote in a Facebook post that she is “beyond thankful for the overwhelming support, thoughts, and prayers from friends, family, and the community.”

Zwerner’s church, LifePointe Christian in Toano, is collecting mail for her as well. Letters can be sent to 8841 Richmond Road, Toano, VA, 23188.

“We’re going to get through this. We’re going to prevail,” Newport News City Council member John Ely said. “Newport News is a great city — an amazing city. The picture that they’re painting is not Newport News. I thank God every day for being with each and every one of us. We’re going to get to the finish line. I’m going to fight, (and) the staff is going to continue to fight.”