Virginia school had multiple warnings about 6-year-old's gun, says lawyer

A lawyer for the Virginia teacher shot by her six-year-old student has said school officials had multiple warnings the boy had a gun but failed to take action.

Abigail Zwerner, 25, was released from hospital last week after being shot in the chest in her classroom earlier this month.

"This tragedy was entirely preventable," said her lawyer who intends to file a lawsuit.

Police have not announced any charges.

The 6 January shooting - which authorities have described as "intentional" - rocked the Virginia city of Newport News, and raised questions about what legal consequences may follow and for whom.

"On that day, over the course of a few hours, three different times - three times - school administration was warned by concerned teachers and employees that the boy had a gun on him at school and was threatening people. But the administration could not be bothered," said attorney Diane Toscano.