Family of 6-year-old who shot teacher speaks out for 1st time

The family of the 6-year-old boy accused of shooting a teacher at his Virginia elementary school is speaking out for the first time. The family said the "firearm our

son accessed was secured." The 6-year-old, who has not been named publicly, allegedly took a handgun from his home on Jan. 6, put it in his backpack and brought it to

Richneck Elementary School in Newport News. He allegedly shot and wounded 25-year-old teacher Abigail Zwerner in a first grade classroom in an "intentional" act, according to

police. MORE: Parents vent frustration at school board after 6-year-old shoots teacher in Newport News, Virginia Police said the 9 mm Taurus pistol was legally purchased

by the boy's mother. The 6-year-old's family released a statement through a spokesperson, saying, "Our family has always been committed to responsible gun ownership and

keeping firearms out of the reach of children." "We have been cooperating with local and federal law enforcement to understand how this could have happened," the family

said. No one has been charged and the investigation is ongoing. Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said Wednesday that interviews with children who were in the classroom

should be completed next week. He did not give an exact date on when the investigation would be completed or if charges would be filed. About 16 to 20 students were in

the room at the time of the shooting and none of them were physically injured, officials said. After Zwerner was shot, she ushered all of her students out of the classroom,

according to police. Drew call her "a hero" who "saved lives."