In a heartwarming twist, a routine prom night in a town southwest of Oklahoma City turned into a memorable homage when Principal Kirk Moore was unexpectedly crowned king. This gesture came weeks after Moore courageously intervened to thwart a potential tragedy by subduing a would-be shooter who had plans reminiscent of the Columbine attack.
“It was an incredible experience,” remarked junior Rachel Hamilton, reflecting on the momentous occasion. “It felt deeply rewarding to honor him in a way he truly deserves.”
Released on April 7, surveillance footage from Pauls Valley High School captured the intense scene. It showed Moore’s selfless act as he tackled the suspect—20-year-old Victor Lee Hawkins, a former student—despite being shot in the leg.
According to authorities, Hawkins had entered the school’s lobby armed with two semiautomatic handguns. He ordered people to the ground and attempted to shoot a student, but his weapon malfunctioned. It was then that Moore took decisive action, averting a potential disaster.
“There were so many things that came into play that day that were more than mere coincidences,” Hamilton added. “It felt like a divine presence was protecting us all.”
Principal Kirk Moore’s crowning as prom king was a poignant tribute to his bravery and quick thinking, which undoubtedly saved lives and left an indelible mark on the community.
In her interview on America Reports Monday, she emphasized that divine intervention prevented more tragedies.
Around 2:20 p.m., Hamilton was making her way through the courtyard, the approximate time Hawkins attempted to attack.
“I remember I was walking, and I heard this crash, and obviously you don’t think it’s a shooter,” she said.
She continued toward the tennis courts, like any normal day, before learning Moore had been shot.
“I was the only one outside in the courtyard,” she said. “He could’ve come in that way, and there were no adults around.”
Junior Isaac Jacobson learned the severity of the situation as it unfolded off campus.
Officials outside Pauls Valley High School, where a shooting April 7, 2026, injured Principal Kirk Moore near Oklahoma City, Okla. (Jessie Christopher Smith/The Oklahoman/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“If any circumstance went differently, people would’ve died,” Jacobson said. “If his gun didn’t misfire, or if Moore wasn’t there at that moment, things would’ve been different. Just the sheer amount of coincidences that happened surrounding that situation, I don’t see any other way other than God’s hand.”
As Jacobson approached his car, like any other end to a school day, he saw a horde of police officers springing into the building. The next hour was filled with anxiety.
Unable to reach his friends due to Oklahoma schools’ phone ban, which prohibits the use of cellphones from the first bell to dismissal, he feared the worst.
“I’m only 17,” Jacobson said. “I’m not ready to lose my friends.”
He was later relieved to learn some of his friends narrowly avoided being in the office where the confrontation occurred after they “stopped to see a random teacher” instead.
The totality of all these circumstances, the gun misfiring, Moore’s exact positioning, Jacobson’s friends’ change of plans or where Hawkins chose to enter the school led Hamilton and Jacobson to believe it is direct evidence of the Lord’s hand at work.
A few weeks later, the two students said they felt the prom felt like a moment of relief and an opportunity to celebrate and come together after what they believed was both physical and spiritual protection.
“Everybody seemed – not like we were not over it, but celebrating how well it went,” said Jacobson. “I went up and shook his [Moore’s] hand and thanked him for everything because I hadn’t gotten to that point.”
Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore was crowned the school’s prom king after heroically tackling a gunman who opened fire on campus. (Burk Ozbirn Oz Productions via Storyful)
The two then reflected on the aftermath of what they and their community had endured.
Even though she admits “it’s kind of cliché,” Hamilton says she feels you have to live your life to the fullest; tomorrow’s not guaranteed, especially from a religious stance.
“Ultimately, beyond the fear, it gives me hope knowing that there’s good people like Coach Moore and others,” said Jacobson. “It gives me hope we’re able to step in and that this bravery won’t just be thrown away.”
According to court records, Hawkins was charged with two counts of unlawful carry, two counts of pointing a gun and one count of shooting with intent to kill. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, and his bail was set at $1 million.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 8.
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