Authorities in Newport News, Virginia, are investigating a shooting incident at an elementary school

The mayor of Newport News, Virginia, said city officials are working to ensure that the elementary school student who shot a teacher with a firearm Friday gets proper attention from appropriate services.

A statement from Mayor Phillip Jones released Saturday said, “It is almost impossible to fathom the fact that a six-year-old student brought a loaded gun to school and shot a teacher; however, that is what our community is facing today.”

The shooting occurred at Richneck Elementary School. Police did not release the names of the child or the injured teacher.

However, Jonathan R. Alger, president of James Madison University (JMU), based in Harrisonburg, Virginia, said on Facebook that the injured teacher, Abbi Zwerner, was a graduate of the university. The statement also said, “JMU stands ready to support those affected by this incident now and in the coming weeks.”

The boy has been detained. Police said the shooting was not accidental.

It is not yet known how the child was able to get his hands on the firearm.

School Superintendent George Parker said Saturday that the teacher is in stable condition. The wounds were initially reported to be life-threatening for the teacher.

“There are a lot of issues that we have to address,” Parker said. – First of all, we have to determine if any additional preventive measures would have affected the likelihood of this incident occurring.”