Former Student Opens Fire at Pauls Valley High School; Principal Tackles Gunman

On Tuesday afternoon, a former student entered Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma armed with two loaded semi-automatic pistols. During a confrontation in the school lobby, Principal Kirk Moore was shot in the leg before tackling the individual and preventing further shots. The former student, Victor Lee Hawkins, 20, has been charged with shooting with intent to kill and other firearm-related offenses.

Timeline of Events

The incident occurred in the lobby of Pauls Valley High School on Tuesday afternoon.

• Victor Lee Hawkins, a 20-year-old former student of the school, entered the building armed with two loaded semi-automatic pistols.
• According to court documents and surveillance footage cited by sources, Hawkins ordered individuals in the lobby to get on the floor.
• Hawkins attempted to fire at a student, but his weapon malfunctioned.
• Principal Kirk Moore, 60, responded to the disturbance in the lobby.
• Hawkins pointed a weapon at Moore's head and fired one shot, which struck Moore in the right leg.
• Moore then tackled Hawkins onto a bench, pinning down his right hand and preventing him from firing his pistol, which fell to the floor.
• Another adult male entered the lobby, assisted Moore, and kicked the dropped weapon away.

Principal Moore was the only person injured during the incident. He was transported to a hospital and has stated he is "healthy and recovering."

Investigation and Alleged Motive

According to information from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI):

• Hawkins allegedly told investigators he "didn't like Principal Kirk Moore" and "went to the school to kill" him.
• Hawkins also allegedly stated he "wanted to conduct his own school shooting like the Columbine shooters did," a reference to the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Colorado.
• Hawkins admitted to stealing the firearms from his father.

Legal Proceedings and Official Statements

Victor Lee Hawkins has been charged with shooting with intent to kill and other firearm-related charges. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 8.

Following the incident, officials made public statements:

"The actions of the staff and the principal stepping in as soon as they saw a subject with a firearm saved lives today."
— Hunter McKee, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation

• Pauls Valley Superintendent Brett Knight described Moore as a "hero" and noted that Moore had been a mentor to him when he was first hired.
• Councilman Kahn Nirschl said he was "appreciative" of Moore's intervention and that Moore "undoubtedly saved lives today through his actions."

Background Information

Principal Kirk Moore has worked in the Pauls Valley school district for more than 35 years.