TL;DR
- Principal Kirk Moore tackled a gunman at Pauls Valley High School.
- He was shot in the leg but saved students’ lives.
- The gunman had two firearms and intended to kill.
- Moore credited his training for his quick response.
- Hawkins is charged and held on $1 million bail.
In a heart-stopping act of bravery, Kirk Moore, the principal of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma, tackled a gunman who had entered the school with the intent to kill. This incredible act of heroism unfolded last week, and it’s a story that needs to be told. Moore, who was shot in the leg during the confrontation, has been hailed as a hero for his quick thinking and decisive action that undoubtedly saved countless lives.
On that fateful day, 20-year-old Victor Lee Hawkins stormed into the school, armed with two semiautomatic handguns. He ordered students to hit the ground and attempted to shoot one student, only to be thwarted by a malfunctioning weapon. After clearing the jam, he opened fire again but missed. As students pleaded for mercy, Moore sprang into action. He charged out of a nearby door and tackled Hawkins from behind, pinning him down on a bench and removing the gun from his grasp. With the help of an assistant principal, they managed to subdue the shooter.
Hawkins, who had previously attended the school, admitted in a chilling statement that he wanted to replicate the infamous Columbine shooting. He allegedly took his father’s firearms without permission, intending to kill students, faculty, and himself. Thankfully, thanks to Moore’s quick actions, this tragedy was averted.
After being shot in the leg, Moore was hospitalized but has since expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received. In a statement, he said, “I am healthy and recovering and look forward to returning to work as soon as I am able.” His bravery has been praised not only by the police chief, who noted that there’s no doubt Moore saved lives, but also by the community at large.
Moore credited his training for his instinctive response, stating, “Like so many educators around the country, we prepare for these events through training and careful assessment of the threats. I am grateful that my instincts and training, as well as God’s hand, were available to me.” This sentiment reflects a broader issue in our society: the need for effective training and support for educators in the face of increasing gun violence in schools.
As Hawkins awaits his preliminary hearing, facing charges that include shooting with intent to kill and carrying a weapon to a public assembly, the community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this terrifying incident. Moore’s courage stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the importance of preparedness in our schools. Let’s honor his bravery and advocate for safer environments for our children.