A high school principal from Oklahoma this week was shot in the leg as he tackled a would-be school shooter, saving his students and staff from injury and death.
On April 8, a 20-year-old former student entered Pauls Valley High School with a gun, according to local outlet News 9. Principal Kirk Moore and several staff members noticed and tackled the man, later identified as Victor Hawkins, preventing him from killing anyone.
“The principal of the school had noticed that an adult male subject, 20 years old, had stepped foot into the school with a gun,” the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations’s Hunter McKee told News 9. “When the principal noticed this, he quickly stepped in as well as other school staff. The subject was able to fire multiple rounds where the principal was hurt, but no one else was. And the principal, as well as school staff, was able to subdue the subject before, obviously, other people were hurt, including students.”
The school was placed under lockdown, and classes were canceled the following day. Hawkins was arrested on two counts of pointing a firearm, one count of shooting with intent to kill, and two counts of unlawful carry.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt praised Moore for his bravery.
“I’ve spoken to Pauls Valley Superintendent Dr. Brett Knight regarding the shooting at the high school where Principal Kirk Moore was injured,” Stitt said. “Principal Moore acted bravely to protect students’ lives. Sarah and I are praying for his quick recovery. I’m thankful for the swift response from law enforcement and school staff, and I’m grateful no students were harmed.”
KSL reports that Moore is currently recovering in the hospital. Community members attested to Moore’s heroic character.
Former student Spencer Flinn said to KSL, "If some student was to get harmed, he would definitely take a bullet for him. I believe that.”
Moore’s childhood friend, Harold Marcum, added, "He's a hero. He wasn't thinking about himself. He was thinking about the kids.”