Recently released surveillance footage captures a dramatic scene at an Oklahoma high school, where the principal bravely confronted a gunman in the school’s lobby.
The incident unfolded swiftly at Pauls Valley High School last week. The video reveals principal Kirk Moore sprinting into action mere seconds after shots rang out. Moore tackled the assailant onto a bench and restrained him, with another staff member quickly intervening to remove the weapon.
“We’re a small town of about 6,200 residents, with good kids and a strong community,” commented Pauls Valley Police Chief Don May. “You never expect such incidents to occur in your own backyard.”
With 35 years of experience in education, Moore sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Fortunately, no one else was hurt during the ordeal.
Expressing gratitude, Lindel Fields, Oklahoma’s superintendent of public instruction, remarked, “He went to work like any other day, never imagining this would happen. I just want to extend my thanks.”
In a public statement, Moore acknowledged his “instincts and training, as well as God’s hand,” for guiding him in neutralizing the threat. He expressed eagerness to return to his duties, continuing his commitment to educating the future leaders of Oklahoma.
Moore, an educator for 35 years, was shot in the leg and airlifted to a nearby hospital. No one else was injured in the shooting.
“He got up like the rest of us to go to work and who dreamed this was going to happen? So I just want to say thank you,” said Lindel Fields, the Oklahoma superintendent of public instruction.
In a statement, Moore credited his “instincts and 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.”
Court documents identify the suspect as Victor Lee Hawkins. Law enforcement said the 20-year-old suspect is a former student of Pauls Valley High School.
Hawkins is facing multiple charges, including shooting with intent to kill. He’s pleaded not guilty and remains in custody on $1 million bond.
