A routine afternoon at Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma turned into a scene of chaos and courage last week when an Oklahoma principal shot while disarming an ex-student managed to thwart a targeted attack on the campus. Kirk Moore, the school’s principal, intervened during a violent encounter in the school’s lobby, tackling a gunman who investigators say intended to carry out a mass shooting inspired by the 1999 Columbine massacre.
The incident began when 20-year-old Victor Lee Hawkins, a former student at the school, entered the building armed with two semiautomatic handguns. According to an arrest affidavit, Hawkins ordered those in the lobby to hit the ground and attempted to shoot one student, though the effort was thwarted by a malfunctioning weapon. After clearing the malfunction, Hawkins opened fire on a second student but missed, according to NBC News.
As students pleaded for mercy and began to flee the area, Principal Kirk Moore charged from a nearby door and tackled Hawkins. Moore pinned the suspect’s face down on a bench and removed a firearm from his hand, holding him down with the assistance of an assistant principal. During the struggle, Moore was shot in the leg and subsequently airlifted to a nearby hospital. Despite the injury, no other students or faculty members were harmed in the attack, as confirmed by CBS News.
The bravery of the 35-year veteran educator has drawn widespread praise from state officials and the local community. Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Lindel Fields expressed gratitude for Moore’s actions, noting that the principal simply “got up like the rest of us to proceed to work” before facing an unthinkable situation.
Targeted Attack and the ‘Columbine’ Connection
Investigators revealed that the attack was not random. In the arrest affidavit, prosecutors alleged that Victor Lee Hawkins specifically targeted Kirk Moore, describing him as someone he “did not like.” Hawkins reportedly told investigators that he “wanted to conduct his own school shooting like the Columbine shooters did,” referring to the tragedy in Colorado that resulted in 14 deaths ([1]).
The suspect admitted to using two firearms belonging to his father, which he is alleged to have taken without permission. According to the affidavit, Hawkins’ stated intention was to kill students, faculty members, Moore and eventually himself. The intervention by Moore and the assistant principal prevented the execution of this plan, effectively ending the threat before more casualties could occur.
Surveillance Footage and the Moment of Intervention
Newly released surveillance video provides a dramatic record of the events. The footage shows Moore racing into the hallway seconds after the suspect opened fire. The video captures the moment Moore pushes the gunman onto a bench and pins him down, while another staff member assists by kicking the weapon away from the suspect ([3]).
Following the incident, Moore released a statement crediting his “instincts and training, as well as God’s hand” for his ability to subdue the threat. He expressed his desire to return to his role as an educator and continue his work with the next generation of Oklahoma leaders as soon as his recovery allows.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status of the Suspect
Victor Lee Hawkins is currently in custody and facing severe legal consequences for his actions. Court documents identify the charges against him, which include shooting with intent to kill. Hawkins has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held on a $1 million bond ([3]).
The community of Pauls Valley, a town of approximately 6,200 people, has been left reeling by the event. Pauls Valley Police Chief Don May noted that while the community is known for its “good kids” and “good community,” such violent situations are never expected in their town.
Summary of the Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Victor Lee Hawkins, 20 (Former Student) |
| Hero | Principal Kirk Moore |
| Weapons Used | Two semiautomatic handguns |
| Injuries | Principal Moore (shot in leg); no other injuries |
| Suspect Status | In custody; $1 million bond |
The case remains under judicial review as the legal process moves forward. The next confirmed checkpoint for the public will be the subsequent court hearings regarding the charges of shooting with intent to kill against Victor Lee Hawkins.
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