5th grader removed from same Virginia school where 6-year-old shot teacher after threatening to 'pop some bullets'

Just over a month after a teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Virginia was shot in the chest by a 6-year-old, another student has been ordered to leave after making firearm-related threats.

The fifth-grader allegedly told his friends that he wanted to "pop some bullets." According to NBC News, the fifth grader made the comments in a text group chat with their friends.



Karen Lynch, the administrator on special assignment at Richneck Elementary, sent a letter to parents following the incident.

"One of the students stated that they would 'pop some bullets' and tell someone to shoot up the class," Lynch wrote, adding that she "immediately contacted the student's parent and excluded the student from school."
 

"A thorough investigation is underway with the police department. A threat assessment is also in progress," Lynch continued. "Threats and safety concerns are always taken very seriously. Please rest assured that all protocols are being followed and this incident is being addressed accordingly."

Lynch did not identify the student, nor did she specify the length of their suspension. The school reopened as usual on Tuesday after being closed for President's Day on Monday.

On January 6, a 6-year-old at Richneck Elementary pulled out a gun during class. As his teacher, Abigail Zwerner, attempted to confiscate the firearm, he shot her in the chest.

Zwarner suffered injuries to her chest and hand, but survived and is recovering. She was heralded as a hero after it was revealed that after being shot, she still made an effort to get the other students to flee.

It was later discovered that the shooter had stolen the gun from his parents, who purchased it legally, and brought it to class without their knowledge. He had an "acute disability" that required a parent to be present with him in class, but that day the parents hadn't been able to join. 

Richneck Elementary had been warned about the 6-year-old prior to the shooting, but failed to do anything, prompting the resignation of numerous officials.