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Principal Tackles Gunman, Hero Shot in Leg
15 Apr
Summary
- Principal tackled an armed gunman to save students.
- The principal was shot in the leg during the struggle.
- The gunman was a former student inspired by Columbine.
On April 7, Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore bravely tackled an armed gunman, Victor Lee Hawkins, who had entered the school lobby with two semi-automatic handguns. Hawkins, a former student, had attempted to shoot students, but his weapon jammed. After clearing the malfunction, he fired again, missing a student.
Moore intervened, tackling Hawkins and pinning him to a bench, disarming him in the process. During the struggle, Hawkins fired his weapon, striking Moore in the leg. Moore was hospitalized and is recovering, while Hawkins is in custody. Hawkins stated he was inspired by the Columbine High School shooting and had taken his father's firearms without permission.
Authorities credit Principal Moore's swift actions with preventing a potential massacre. Hawkins faces multiple charges, including shooting with intent to kill, and is due in court for a preliminary hearing on May 8. The community has shown an outpouring of support for the injured principal.
