The family of Amina Bowman, the girl who was shot in a Bremerton elementary school classroom in February, is suing the family of the boy who brought the gun to school, and the school district, for $10 million.
Amina, 9, was in a classroom at Armin Jahr Elementary on Feb. 22 when she was hit by a bullet. Police said the gun was in a classmate's backpack and it went off on its own. Amina was critically injured, but survived after numerous surgeries and she went home in April.
The Bowman Family's attorney said the boy's home had an "arsenal of weapons." At least four loaded guns were allegedly found around the house, with ammunition that included hollow point bullets.
The attorney also said the school district should have known the boy was a potential threat. The boy allegedly had been bullied by other students, who were since suspended. Other students allegedly knew the boy had talked about bringing a gun to school, but didn’t say anything to teachers. The family contends the district should have put processes in place that would have encouraged students to report what they knew.
Amina’s mother, Terri Bowman, said her daughter has her good and bad days, and that the Fourth of July was hard for her because she’s now afraid of loud noises.
"It's hard to see her not be normal anymore,” said Terri.
Amina will attend a private Catholic school this fall.
"She loves school, but she isn't excited about wearing a skirt,” said Terri.
Jamie Lee Chaffin, the boy’s mother, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm. Chaffin, a convicted felon, was prohibited from owning a firearm.
More details to come.
KING 5's Travis Pittman and Eric Wilkinson contributed to this report
