Newly released footage shows Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore confronting and wrestling a gunman, identified as 20-year-old former student Victor Hawkins, after the attacker opened fire on April 7. Moore was shot in the leg and airlifted to a hospital in stable condition, and school staff helped subdue Hawkins until police arrived. Hawkins allegedly entered with two loaded semi-automatic pistols and has been charged with multiple firearm offenses. Investigators say someone opened the door for the suspect but do not believe that person was working with him.
Newly Released Video Shows Principal Tackling Gunman at Pauls Valley High; Principal Shot, Suspect Arrested
Victor Hawkins, a 20-year-old former student at the school, is facing multiple charges in connection with the shooting, including shooting with intent to kill.(Fox News)
Newly released video captures the moment Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore confronted and wrestled a gunman who opened fire inside the school on April 7.
What the Video Shows
The footage shows 20-year-old former student Victor Hawkins entering the school at about 2:21 p.m. and a person opening a door that allowed him access to the building. After shots were fired in the lobby, Principal Moore ran toward the scene, was struck in the leg and then grappled with Hawkins, ultimately disarming him. School staff helped hold the suspect down until law enforcement arrived.
Pauls Valley High School principal Kirk Moore was the only person injured during the shooting at Pauls Valley High School in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Injuries, Response and Arrest
Authorities said Moore was shot in the leg and was airlifted to a hospital in stable condition. Officers arrested Hawkins at the scene after staff restrained him. The school was placed on lockdown until authorities cleared the campus.
Investigation and Charges
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) reported it does not believe the person who opened the door was working with the suspect; investigators have not yet determined whether that person was a student or staff member. An OSBI spokesperson also confirmed there are no other suspects in the incident.
Victor Hawkins, 20, was arrested in connection with the shooting at Pauls Valley High School in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
An arrest affidavit obtained by reporters says Hawkins entered carrying two loaded semi-automatic pistols. He has been charged with shooting with intent to kill, carrying a weapon into a public assembly and two counts of feloniously pointing a firearm.
Suspect's Motive
Court documents reviewed by media say Hawkins studied the Columbine school shooting and told investigators he "wanted to conduct his own school shooting like the Columbine shooters did." According to the affidavit, Hawkins ordered people to get on the ground, pointed a gun at students and attempted to fire at least once; a reported malfunction temporarily prevented discharge. He later fired at another student, who raised their hands and pleaded not to be shot, before Hawkins lowered the weapon and told students to leave.
"The actions of the staff and the principal stepping in as soon as they saw a subject with a firearm saved lives today," OSBI spokesperson Hunter McKee said, praising Moore and school employees for their quick response.
The OSBI and local law enforcement continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the entrance to the school and Hawkins' actions. No additional suspects have been identified.
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