High School Principal Thwarts Shooting in Oklahoma
A high school principal in Oklahoma is being hailed as a hero after video footage captured him tackling and disarming a former student who opened fire in the school’s lobby. The incident occurred at Pauls Valley High School, where Principal Kirk Moore intervened despite being shot in the leg.
Surveillance footage released by the school district shows the assailant, clad in a dark hooded sweatshirt, entering the school and aiming a handgun at two students. After firing the weapon, Moore swiftly tackled and disarmed the individual, allowing students to escape unharmed. Another staff member then secured the weapon.
Law enforcement officials commended the quick actions of Moore and the staff. “The actions of the staff and the principal stepping in as soon as they saw a subject with a firearm saved lives today,” stated Hunter McKee, spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Victor Lee Hawkins, a former student of the school, was arrested. He faces charges including unlawfully carrying a firearm and shooting with intent to kill. Hawkins has entered a plea of not guilty.
According to an affidavit, Hawkins intended to carry out a mass shooting similar to the 1999 Columbine incident. He remains in custody at the Garvin County Detention Center with bond set at $1 million.
Principal Moore expressed his commitment to returning to his duties. In a social media statement, he remarked, “I look forward to returning to work as soon as possible so that I may continue my life’s work educating the next generation of Oklahoma leaders.”
Pauls Valley, a town with a population of 6,000 residents, is located approximately 60 miles south of Oklahoma City.
