Principal Kirk Moore confronted a 20-year-old former student who entered Pauls Valley High School on April 7 armed with two semiautomatic handguns. One weapon malfunctioned, and Moore tackled the suspect as shots were fired into the floor, sustaining a leg wound while disarming him until police arrived. School staff and students say Moore's actions likely saved lives; students later named him prom king in recognition. The suspect, Victor Hawkins, has pleaded not guilty and faces a preliminary hearing on May 8.
Oklahoma Principal Shot While Stopping Alleged Planned School Mass Shooting
Officers responded to a shooting call at the school around 2:21 p.m. on April, 7, 2026.(Fox News)
An Oklahoma high school principal credited with stopping a potential mass shooting described his split-second decision to confront the suspect during a Saturday interview on Fox News.
Principal Kirk Moore spoke on the program "Saturday in America" about the April 7 incident at Pauls Valley High School. Authorities say a 20-year-old former student entered the building armed with two semiautomatic handguns and told investigators he intended to carry out a mass shooting on campus.
"It's a gut reaction to protect," Moore told host Kayleigh McEnany as he reflected on his 37 years in education. "All the training that you go through, you can't prepare for the second, but it just seems like when it does happen, things fall into place."
The situation turned dangerous when the alleged gunman pointed a weapon at a student. Moore said one firearm malfunctioned, which he described as a "blessing," and after the gun failed he tackled the suspect while the attacker fired into the floor.
"The bullets were ricocheting," Moore recalled, explaining why other staff initially could not intervene. He was shot in the leg during the struggle but managed to disarm the alleged shooter and hold him until police arrived on the scene.
Moore added, "I'm a man of faith, I believe God's hand's on everything," saying that faith influenced how events unfolded in his view.
Coach Mark Green, who also spoke on the program, said there is "absolutely" no doubt Moore's actions saved lives. "He did what was needed in that moment, and that was brave beyond measure," Green said.
Students later honored Moore by naming him prom king in recognition of his actions; Moore said he was moved by the gesture and found it "very sweet of the kids." Junior Rachel Hamilton told Fox News that the honor felt "good to the soul," and said she believed several events during the incident were more than coincidences. "It was really God watching over us all," Hamilton said.
Court records identify the suspect as Victor Hawkins. He faces multiple charges, including unlawful carry, pointing a firearm and shooting with intent to kill. Hawkins has pleaded not guilty. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 8.
Fox News' Sophia Leone contributed to this report.
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