Inside the mind of a 6-year-old shooter

The US is observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and it’s a good time to pause and reflect on everything that’s happening around us. The Russia-Ukraine conflict, an economic downturn, and widespread layoffs are some examples of how drastically things have changed since the start of 2022.

The world has become even more fragmented. Perhaps that’s why the theme for the World Economic Forum in Davos this year is “Cooperation in a Fragmented World.”

It’s day one in Davos and top CEOs and government officials will be putting on their snow boots to head to the Alps.

Matt Turner, the editor in chief of business at Insider, is in Davos and will be posting the latest on his LinkedIn — follow along here.

Now, let’s get started.

— Spriha Srivastava

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On the afternoon of January 6, a shooting occurred at Richneck Elementary School.

The police identified an unlikely suspect: a 6-year-old boy, accused of deliberately shooting his first-grade teacher — the lone victim.

Abigail Zwerner was teaching a class of about 20 children when she was shot through her hand and into her upper chest.

“The shooting was not accidental,” the city’s police chief said. “It was intentional.”

But what does “intentional” mean to a 6-year-old? Scientists told Insider that at such a young age, the brain is still developing. The boy likely didn’t understand the full consequences of his actions, morality, or the law.

The experts also explained why, instead of arrest, young offenders need rehabilitation — and the courts are finally starting to listen.

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This edition was curated by Spriha Srivastava, and edited by Hallam Bullock, Nathan Rennolds, and Shona Ghosh. Get in touch: insidertoday@insider.com.