The principal of an Oklahoma high school “saved the lives of several students” last week when he confronted an armed man and was shot in the leg during the struggle, according to the local police chief.
In a statement, Kirk Mooreprincipal of Pauls Valley High School, expressed his gratitude for the numerous expressions of love and support received after the incident that occurred at the school, located about 96 kilometers south of Oklahoma Metropolis.
In an arrest affidavit, investigators indicated that Victor Lee Hawkins20, armed with two semi-automatic pistols, entered the school lobby that afternoon, ordered everyone to the ground and attempted to shoot a student, but the gun misfired.
After solving the problem, he opened fire on another student, but missed, according to the document consulted by NBC Data.
Moments later, Moore ran out a nearby door and tackled Hawkins, pinning him face down on a bench, snatching a gun from him, and holding him down with the help of an assistant principal, as can be seen on school security video.
Most main Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High College in Oklahoma tackling a would possibly well perhaps perhaps be college shooter.
A wonderful display camouflage of braveness in the warmth of the moment. pic.twitter.com/Be0mNEqs6x
— CJ Jolley (@cjjolley) April 14, 2026
Hawkins, a former student at the school, described Moore as someone he “didn’t like,” prosecutors alleged, and said he “He wanted to carry out his own school shooting like the perpetrators of the Columbine massacre did.”referring to the 1999 Colorado high school shooting that left 14 victims and two teenagers dead.
Investigators said Hawkins admitted to going to school with two firearms belonging to his fatherwhich he allegedly took without permission.
He said his intention was to kill students, teachers, Moore and then commit suicide, according to the affidavit.
During the confrontation with the suspect, Moore was shot in the legaccording to authorities, and was hospitalized.
The director later claimed to be “healthy and recovering,” and added that he hopes to return to work as soon as possible, according to NBC Data.
In his statement, Moore attributed his reaction to his training. “Like many educators across the country, we prepare for these events through training and careful threat assessment,” he said.
Pauls Valley Police Chief Don Might said in an interview that Moore’s arrest, like that of a football player, prevented a tragedy.
“I’m not surprised by his actions, but they are incredible,” he said. “I have no doubt that he saved the lives of young people”.
Hawkins remains in custody at the Garvin County Detention Center on $1 million bail, according to jail records.
He has been charged with attempted murder, criminally pointing a firearm and carrying a weapon at a public gathering.
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