Kirk Moore, the principal of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma, has spoken publicly for the first time since tackling an armed former student on April 7. Moore said he believed “God’s hand was on all of us” during the attack, which was captured on surveillance footage.
The footage shows Moore pushing the suspect, Victor Lee Hawkins, onto a bench while another staff member kicked away his weapon. “I don't know what I was thinking. I just knew I was running to get to whatever was going on,” Moore told CBS News, describing his actions as instinctive.
According to an arrest affidavit, Hawkins entered the school with two semi-automatic pistols and attempted to shoot a student, but one weapon malfunctioned. After fixing it, he fired at another student, who pleaded for his life. Hawkins allowed the student to flee before Moore intervened, pinning him down until police arrived. The affidavit states Hawkins wanted to “conduct his own school shooting like the Columbine shooters did.”
Hawkins has been charged with unlawful carry, shooting with intent to kill, and pointing a firearm. Pauls Valley Police Chief Don May praised Moore, saying, “There's not a doubt in my mind that he saved kids' lives.”
In a heartwarming turn, Moore was later crowned prom king at a school dance, with students cheering and high-fiving him. In a Facebook statement, Moore expressed gratitude for the support he has received, saying it is “the reason I am healthy and recovering today.”
