Oklahoma Principal Tackles Gunman, Shot in Leg During School Attack
Security camera footage captured the dramatic moment when an Oklahoma high school principal tackled a gunman, an act of bravery that resulted in him being shot in the leg by the suspect. The incident occurred on April 7 at Pauls Valley High School, where Principal Kirk Moore has since been hailed as a hero by the local community.
In a statement following the event, Moore expressed gratitude for what he described as 'an outpouring of love and support' from people. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Victor Lee Hawkins, entered the school lobby armed with two semi-automatic handguns, according to reports from NBC News.
Details of the Attack and Heroic Intervention
Investigators revealed that upon entering the lobby, Hawkins ordered everyone to get to the ground before attempting to shoot one student. His weapon jammed initially, but after clearing the malfunction, he fired at another student and missed. The two students pleaded for their lives and were permitted to leave, with other students following as Moore emerged from a nearby office and tackled Hawkins.
Moore managed to pin Hawkins to a bench and force one of the weapons from his hand. Another school official quickly intervened, kicking the handgun away and securing it by carrying it back into the office. During the struggle, Hawkins fired the weapon, striking Moore in the leg. Authorities confirmed that Moore was hospitalized and is now healthy and recovering.
Motives and Legal Proceedings
Prosecutors stated that Hawkins, a former student at the school, admitted he 'did not like' Moore. The suspect was also inspired by the 1999 Columbine High School shooting in Colorado, where Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 13 students and a teacher before dying by suicide. Hawkins allegedly told police he took firearms owned by his father without permission and intended to kill students, faculty members, Moore, and himself, according to an affidavit.
Pauls Valley Police Chief Don May praised Moore's actions, emphasizing that the tackle likely prevented a massacre. 'It doesn't surprise me the actions that he took, but it is amazing, the actions that he took,' May said. 'There's not a doubt in my mind that he saved kids' lives.'
Hawkins is currently in custody on $1 million bail at the Garvin County Detention Center. Court records show he faces charges including shooting with intent to kill, two counts of feloniously pointing a firearm, and two counts of carrying a weapon to a public assembly. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 8.
