Hero Principal Who Disarmed School Shooter Crowned Prom King in Oklahoma
A heroic Oklahoma high school principal, who was shot in the leg while disarming a former student threatening a mass shooting, has been crowned prom king in a heartwarming display of student gratitude. Kirk Moore, principal of Pauls Valley High School located 60 miles south of Oklahoma City, received the honour during the school's prom night festivities this past Friday.
Prom Night Celebration for a Local Hero
In a video from the event, Moore can be seen walking through a crowd of cheering students at the dance, exchanging high-fives as the DJ declared him "our king" and played the Nickelback song "Hero." This touching moment occurred just weeks after Moore's courageous actions on April 7, when he wrestled 20-year-old former student Victor Lee Hawkins to the ground after Hawkins entered the school armed with a pistol.
Surveillance footage released by the school district shows the suspect, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, entering the school lobby and pointing a handgun at two students. Moore is then seen rushing at Hawkins, tackling him to the ground and disarming him. Another teacher quickly retrieved the firearm, ensuring no students were injured in the attack.
Details of the Planned Attack and Legal Proceedings
Hawkins told investigators that he had intended to carry out a mass shooting "like the Columbine shooters did," referencing the 1999 school shooting in Colorado that killed 12 students and a teacher. His plan allegedly included killing students, Moore, and then himself.
Following the incident, Hawkins was arrested and charged with multiple offences, including unlawfully carrying a firearm, shooting with intent to kill, and pointing a firearm. He has pleaded not guilty to these criminal charges and is being held on a $1 million bond. His court-appointed attorney, Tyson Stanek, has declined to comment on the case, citing policies of the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System.
Community and Official Responses
Hunter McKee, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, praised the swift actions of Moore and other staff members, stating that their intervention "saved lives today." The community has rallied around Moore, with the prom king crowning serving as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for his bravery.
This event highlights the ongoing challenges schools face regarding safety and the profound impact of heroic actions in preventing tragedy. Moore's dual role as both a protector and a celebrated figure at the prom underscores the deep connections within the school community.
