A heart-stopping scene unfolded at an Oklahoma high school when Principal Kirk Moore, 60, courageously tackled a former student with a disturbing fascination for Columbine. This ex-student, identified as 20-year-old Victor Lee Hawkins, allegedly shot at Moore in the lobby of Pauls Valley High School last Tuesday afternoon. The dramatic encounter was captured on surveillance footage obtained by KOCO.
Principal Moore’s quick-thinking and bravery were pivotal in averting a potentially catastrophic event. Despite being the only person injured when Hawkins opened fire, Moore’s actions prevented a tragedy of much larger proportions, earning him widespread praise.
According to court documents reviewed by KFOR, Hawkins had reportedly harbored a grudge against Principal Moore. He allegedly confessed to investigators that he “didn’t like Principal Moore” and intended to kill him during his visit to the school. Upon entering, Hawkins demanded everyone in the lobby to lie on the ground and attempted to shoot at a student, but his weapon malfunctioned. He then turned his gun on another student, who pleaded for their life.
Amidst the chaos, Moore, a dedicated educator with over 35 years in the school district, rushed to the scene. His presence in the school lobby during such a critical moment exemplified his commitment to the safety and well-being of his students and faculty.
The crazed gunman’s weapon malfunctioned before he aimed his pistol at another student, who begged him not to open fire.
Moore, who has worked in the school district for more than 35 years, rushed to the school lobby to investigate the commotion.
Hawkins was seen pointing his weapon at the Moore’s head and firing a shot, which struck the educator’s right leg, before he was tackled.
The principal shoved the gunman toward a bench before getting on top of him, while the terrified student fled.
Moore pinned down Hawkins’ right hand, stopping him from firing his pistol before the weapon dropped onto the floor.
Another adult male, wearing a red shirt and beige pants, sprinted into shot before helping Moore and kicking the gun away.
Hunter McKee, of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, praised Moore and staffers for their quick-thinking response, saying, “The actions of the staff and the principal stepping in as soon as they saw a subject with a firearm saved lives today.”
Brett Knight, the Pauls Valley Superintendent, described Moore as a “hero,” the Oklahoman reported.
“He’s actually been a mentor to me,” he told 9News.
“He was kinda (the) one that kind of helped me when I was first hired.”
Councilman Kahn Nirschl said he was “so appreciative” of Moore’s intervention.
“He undoubtedly saved lives today through his actions,” he said.
Hawkins admitted to stealing the guns from his dad and told investigators he “wanted to conduct his own school shooting like the Columbine shooters did,” referring to the 1999 massacre that left 14 victims dead.
The latest victim, Anne Marie Hochhalter, who was left paralyzed after being shot, died in February last year.
Hawkins has been charged with shooting with intent to kill and other firearm-related charges, and will appear in court on May 8.
Meanwhile, Moore said he’s “healthy and recovering” after being hospitalized.
