Moment 'hero principal' disarms school shooter suspect

Principal Kirk Moore rushed to subdue the gunman after the suspect broke into the high school in Oklahoma, injuring his leg.

Victor Hawkins, 20 years old, a former student of Pauls Valley High School, entered the school campus around 2 p.m. on 7/4 while classes were in session, carrying two semi-automatic handguns.

Investigators stated that after entering the lobby, Hawkins ordered everyone to lie down and pointed the gun at a student, intending to shoot. His attempt failed because the gun jammed. After clearing the jam, Hawkins fired at another student and missed. Two students pleaded for their lives, and the gunman allowed them to leave; others also fled.

At this moment, Moore rushed out from a nearby office, tackled Hawkins onto a row of seats near a window, pinned him down, and secured his right arm against the seat back, forcing the suspect to drop the gun to the floor. About 10 seconds later, another school staff member emerged from Moore’s office, retrieved Hawkins' gun, and hid it in the office. After being subdued, the suspect was arrested at the scene.

Oklahoma officials released surveillance video on 14/4 from Pauls Valley High School showing the principal's brave actions. Police stated that during the struggle, the suspect fired multiple shots, injuring Moore in the leg. The principal was in stable condition, and no students were injured.

Moment principal Kirk Moore rushed to subdue the gunman on 7/4. Video: X/Osint613

"The actions of the staff and the principal, intervening immediately upon seeing the armed suspect, saved many lives," stated Hunter McKee, spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Governor Kevin Stitt also praised Moore "for his courageous actions to protect students' lives" and thanked law enforcement and the school for their swift response.

The indictment stated Hawkins had stolen two firearms from his father and intended to carry out an attack similar to the Columbine case, where two 12th-grade students opened fire, killing 14 victims before taking their own lives. Investigators believe Hawkins initially intended to target Moore.

Hawkins was charged with crimes including: pointing a firearm at another person, shooting with intent to kill, and carrying a weapon in a public place. Hawkins is scheduled to appear in court on 8/5.