A six-year-old boy who shot his teacher allegedly told her colleague "he wanted to set her on fire and watch her die", it is claimed.
The child, who attends Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, US, used a 9mm Taurus handgun to shoot 25-year-old teacher Abby Zwerner on January 6.
Ms Zwerner and other Richneck teachers voiced their concerns over the child's behaviour with senior staff but were ignored or had their concerns downplayed, according to the Washington Post.
The teacher had asked staff for support with the boy after he was known to throw chairs and other objects in the classroom.
The boy once wrote a chilling note to a teacher which stated how much he hated Ms Zwerner and wanted to "set her on fire", according to the teacher's union.
Ms Zwerner's colleague brought up the disturbing note to school administrators but the teacher was told to drop it, she claims.
It is unclear when the disturbing threat was made.
She expressed her concern in an online chat to Newport News Superintendent George Parker III, which staff used to raise any issues.
One school member allegedly wrote: "She had asked for help", another added: "Several times."
In another incident the boy allegedly blocked a teacher and pupils from leaving their classroom after he barricaded the doors.
The teacher was forced to bang on the door multiple times and they were eventually freed after a colleague heard the noise and opened the door.
The new revelation comes after the boy brought in a gun, which was legally purchased by the boy's mum, and stashed it in his backpack.
He then fired one shot at Ms Zwerner leaving her with serious injuries.
She has since been released from hospital.
For the first time since the incident the family have expressed sympathy for the teacher in a statement released by their lawyer.
It said: "Our heart goes out to our son's teacher and we pray for her healing in the aftermath of such an unimaginable tragedy as she selflessly served our son and the children in the school.
"She has worked diligently and compassionately to support our family as we sought the best education and learning environment for our son."
The teacher was released from Riverside Regional Medical Center earlier this week, according to the hospital.
It said: "She continues her recovery as an outpatient with the support of family, friends, and health professionals."
The family said they had always been committed to "responsible gun ownership and keeping firearms out of the reach of children".
They added "the firearm our son accessed was secured" and "we will regret our absence on this day for the rest of our lives."
The family did not go into details of the boy's "acute disability".
According to the boy's parent's the child has been under hospital care and receiving treatment.
They have thanked their son's medical team who have supported them during this "difficult time".
The family added: "We continue to pray for his teacher's full recovery, and for her loved ones who are undoubtedly upset and concerned.
"At the same time, we love our son and are asking that you please include him and our family in your prayers."
Cops have described the shooting as "intentional" as the boy's family have been working closely with investigators to determine how the tragic incident occurred.
Police chief Steve Drew said the bullet went through one of Zwerner’s hands and hit her chest as she took a "defensive position”.
The heroic teacher then turned around and urged the 14-16 students to flee the classroom and run for their safety.
Mr Drew revealed: "She turned around to make sure every one of those students was safe. she is a hero."
