A high school principal in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, is being hailed as a hero after he was shot while confronting an armed former student who allegedly intended to carry out a "Columbine-style attack" on Tuesday afternoon. Principal Kirk Moore sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg as he and other staff members engaged the suspect, 20-year-old Victor Hawkins, preventing any students from being injured.
"He’s a fine man who loves the students and is willing to go out of his way to ensure their safety." — Jocelyn Rushing, Pauls Valley Mayor
The incident unfolded inside the lobby of Pauls Valley High School when Hawkins, a former student, allegedly entered the building armed with multiple firearms. Authorities with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) reported that the weapons were believed to have been taken from his father. Investigators said Hawkins began issuing commands for people to get on the ground, and at least one weapon initially malfunctioned before gunfire erupted.
Principal Moore and other school personnel moved swiftly toward the threat, confronting Hawkins as shots were fired. During the exchange, Moore was struck in the leg. Despite his injury, Moore and other staff members were able to restrain Hawkins inside the building, preventing him from moving further into the campus or directing additional shots at students. Law enforcement subsequently placed the school on lockdown as deputies secured the scene and cleared the building.
Officials confirmed that no students were injured during the incident, as reported by News 9. Hawkins was taken into custody and booked into the Garvin County Jail on charges including shooting with intent to kill and unlawful possession of a firearm. Court documents cited by local outlets indicate that Hawkins later told authorities he intended to carry out a mass school shooting, specifically referencing past incidents and expressing hostility toward Principal Moore during the planning phase.
Principal Moore was transported by air ambulance to a hospital in Oklahoma City, where he remains in stable condition. Medical personnel confirmed his injury was not life-threatening, according to KOCO 5 News. His actions have drawn widespread praise from officials and community members alike, many of whom attribute the prevention of a far more tragic outcome to his bravery and quick thinking.
Superintendent Dr. Brett Knight reflected on Moore’s leadership, stating, "He was kinda the one that helped me when I was first hired." Pauls Valley Mayor Jocelyn Rushing also commended Moore, noting his consistent dedication to student safety. "He’s a fine man who loves the students and is willing to go out of his way to ensure their safety," Mayor Rushing said. State officials, including Governor Kevin Stitt, also praised Moore’s response and the actions of first responders, Fox News reported.
In the aftermath of the incident, classes were canceled, and counseling services have been made available for students and staff to help them process the traumatic event. School officials indicated that additional support resources would remain in place as the community begins to recover. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities continuing to review how Hawkins obtained the weapons and gained access to the school building. The swift and decisive actions of Principal Moore and his staff underscore the critical role school personnel play in emergency situations, particularly in preventing potential mass violence on campuses. The community remains united in supporting Principal Moore and ensuring the ongoing safety and well-being of its students.
