Home / Crime and Justice / Principal Tackles Gunman, Saves Students
Principal Tackles Gunman, Saves Students
11 May
Summary
- Principal Moore tackled a gunman with two pistols at the school.
- The shooter aimed to replicate the Columbine High School massacre.
- Moore was shot in the leg but later crowned prom king.
On April 7, Kirk Moore, the principal of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma, heroically intervened during an armed attack by former student Victor Lee Hawkins. Surveillance footage captured Moore tackling Hawkins, who was armed with two pistols, while another staff member disarmed him.
Moore described his actions as instinctual, overriding years of training and drills. Investigators revealed Hawkins planned to carry out a school shooting similar to the Columbine incident, intending to kill students, faculty, and himself.
During the confrontation, Moore sustained a gunshot wound to his leg. Hawkins, who allegedly obtained weapons from his father's closet, now faces multiple charges, including unlawful carry and shooting with intent to kill.
In a heartwarming display of support, Moore was later crowned prom king at a school dance, hailed as "our king" by students. The Pauls Valley Police Chief commended Moore, stating he undeniably saved lives. Moore expressed gratitude for the community's support during his recovery.
