Newport News, Virginia - On Monday, law enforcement figures held a press conference to deliver an update on a recent school shooting of a teacher by a six-year-old student in Virginia, where they praised the teacher involved for saving lives that day.

The Newport News Police Department streamed the conference on Facebook. Chief Steve Drew was joined by Newport News Public Schools' superintendent George Parker and the city's mayor Philip Jones.

Drew shared that he was able to meet with Abigail Zwerner (25), the teacher who was shot, and he said the first thing she repeatedly asked was, "Do you know how my students are?"

"Abigail wanted me to tell you all, but primarily her students and parents of her students, that she is in stable condition, and [she is] thankful for the thoughts and prayers," Drew said.

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The officer then shared more details about what took place at the time of the incident. Previous reporting said that an altercation led to the shooting, but Drew explained the teacher was simply "providing instruction to her class" when the student pulled the gun out and pointed it at her.

Zwerner assumed a defensive position, putting her hands up, but the child shot anyway, with the bullet going through one hand and into her upper chest. Officials also believe that the gun used was one legally purchased by the child's mother.

Video footage taken in the hall outside the room shows an unidentified staff member enter the room before detaining the student, and Zwerner "was still able to get all of her students out of the classroom."

Chief Drew did his best to answer questions, something he believes is "important for the community. However, there were many questions he was unable to due to the child's age.

He did explain that the child is currently being evaluated by trained psychological professionals, and they will appear before a judge within 90 days.

The judge will decide whether to continue treatment, or to move onto "the next step," which Drew didn't elaborate on.

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Some questions also involved how the school district plans to keep its students safe in the future.

Superintendent George Parker responded that he hates that it has gotten to this point, but he and other officials may have to consider using deterrents – such as metal detectors – at elementary schools in the district.

He also noted that "no single safety measure is going to completely ensure that no instance will occur in the future," but he believes it is at least "one extra layer of support."

"I want our schools to be great places to educate children," superintendent George Parker added. "But I also understand … that if we can't maintain safety, kids won't learn, anyway."