Students and police gather outside of Richneck Elementary School after a shooting, Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 in Newport News, Va. A shooting at a Virginia elementary school sent a teacher to the hospital and ended with “an individual” in custody Friday, police and school officials in the city of Newport News said. (Billy Schuerman/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) — The shooting of a first-grade teacher in Virginia by a 6-year-old boy has plunged the nation into uncharted waters of school violence. Many in the city of Newport News, where the shooting occurred, are now demanding metal detectors in every school. But experts say there are no easy solutions for preventing school gun violence. Some question the effectiveness of metal detectors and other safety measures. They say creating an environment in which students feel free to share concerns can help prevent shootings. Other experts hold gun owners responsible. They’re calling for more gun safety education to prevent accidents as well as kids from gaining access to firearms.