In a dramatic incident captured on video, Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School was seen bravely tackling a suspected gunman, according to footage obtained by CNN. The incident occurred at an Oklahoma high school, where Moore was shot while attempting to protect students from harm.
The video reveals a tense scene in the school’s front lobby. A man clad in a black hoodie brandishes a firearm, prompting someone nearby to raise their hands in surrender. In a swift and courageous move, Principal Moore charges at the gunman, successfully pinning him to a bench. As Moore grapples with the suspect, another individual swiftly seizes the weapon. During this courageous intervention, investigators believe that Moore sustained a gunshot wound.
The incident unfolded at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7. The school promptly initiated a lockdown procedure to ensure the safety of all students and staff. By 3:15 p.m., local authorities confirmed that the situation was under control, and students were safely reunited with their families.
Remarkably, Moore was the only person injured during the ordeal. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, which is overseeing the case, commended the quick actions of Principal Moore and the school staff, highlighting their role in averting a potentially larger tragedy.
The shooting happened at around 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday April 7 and the school was immediately placed on lockdown. By 3:15 p.m. the county sheriff’s confirmed that the scene was secure after students were reunited with family.
Moore was the person shot or injured at school that day. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, a state government law enforcement agency, said it believes the principal and staff at Pauls Valley High School prevented others from potentially getting hurt.
“Because of the efforts of the school staff, they stopped Hawkins from potentially injuring other staff members and students,” OSBI wrote on April 7.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt also praised Moore’s actions.
“Principal Moore acted bravely to protect students’ lives,” Stitt wrote on Facebook on the day of the shooting. “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.”
Described as in “stable condition” by police, Moore gave his first public statement last Friday. The high school principal said he looked forward to returning to work “as soon as possible” and credited support and community prayer for his recovery.
“Pauls Valley schools are safe communities unaccustomed to the type of threat we witnessed on Tuesday. Nevertheless, like so many educators around the country, we prepare for these events through training and careful assessment of the threats,” Moore wrote. “I am grateful that my instincts and training, as well as God’s hand, were available to me on Tuesday.”
Inside south-central Oklahoma’s Garvin County, Pauls Valley has about 5,000 people living inside the city limits.
Classes were canceled at the high school on Wednesday and Thursday that followed the shooting.
A former student is a suspect
Victor Hawkins, a 20-year-old former student of Pauls Valley High School, was arrested on April 7 and charged with four criminal counts related to allegedly bringing a gun into the school and shooting Moore.
Hawkins was charged on four criminal counts:
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Shooting with intent to kill
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Pointing a firearm (two counts)
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Carrying a weapon to a public assembly
The 20-year-old was scheduled to appear in court on May 8, according to the district attorney’s office that oversees cases inside Pauls Valley. Hawkins’ bond was set at $1 million.
