Principal Shot Disarming Ex-Student in Oklahoma

Kirk Moore, the principal of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma, was shot in the leg while disarming an armed ex-student on April 7. According to multiple reports, Moore tackled Victor Lee Hawkins, a 20-year-old former student who entered the school with two semi-automatic handguns and intended to conduct a shooting similar to the Columbine massacre.

The incident occurred shortly before 2:21 p.m., as reported by The Guardian. Hawkins entered the school lobby, pointed his gun at students, and attempted to fire but experienced a weapon malfunction. Principal Moore then charged at Hawkins, wrestling him to the ground with the help of another staff member. During the altercation, Hawkins fired several shots before being disarmed.

According to court documents cited by The Guardian and Daily Mail, Hawkins had taken his father's weapons without permission and intended to kill students, faculty members, Moore himself, and then take his own life. Investigators found that Hawkins was obsessed with the 1999 Columbine High School shooting in Colorado. He remains at the Garvin County Detention Center on $1 million bail awaiting a court appearance on May 8.

Moore's actions were praised by Don May, chief of the Pauls Valley police department, who told NBC News that Moore undoubtedly saved lives. Several former students also expressed their admiration for Moore's bravery. In a statement reported by NBC and Daily Mail, Moore thanked the community for its support and stated he was grateful for his training and instincts which allowed him to act swiftly.

Newly released surveillance video shows Principal Kirk Moore racing into the hallway seconds after Hawkins opened fire. Moore is seen pushing the gunman onto a bench and holding him down before another staffer helps kick the weapon away, as reported by CBS News. Moore, an educator for 35 years, was airlifted to a nearby hospital with no other injuries reported.

Lindel Fields, the Oklahoma superintendent of public instruction, expressed gratitude for Moore's actions, stating that he got up like the rest of us to go to work and who dreamed this was going to happen. In his statement, Moore credited his instincts, training, as well as God's hand for helping him subdue the threat. He said he looks forward to returning to work as soon as possible so that he can continue his life's work educating the next generation of Oklahoma leaders.