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In a courageous act that likely averted a greater disaster, an Oklahoma high school principal was shot while disarming a gunman at the school on Tuesday. The principal is being lauded as a hero for his quick response, according to officials.
Kirk Moore, the principal of Pauls Valley High School, along with his staff, swiftly intervened when they noticed a former student, 20-year-old Victor Hawkins, entering the school premises with a firearm. This decisive action by the staff was pivotal in subduing Hawkins, as confirmed by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI).
“The school principal identified an adult male suspect, aged 20, who had entered the school armed,” said OSBI spokesperson Hunter McKee in an interview with KOCO-TV. “Upon recognizing the threat, both he and other staff members took immediate action. Although the suspect managed to fire several shots, resulting in the principal being injured, fortunately, no other injuries were reported.”
Moore was transported by air to a hospital and is in stable condition, authorities reported.
Victor Hawkins, aged 20, has been apprehended in connection with the shooting incident at Pauls Valley High School, which occurred on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
“The actions of the staff and the principal stepping in as soon as they saw a subject with a firearm saved lives today,” McKee told the outlet.
The shooting unfolded around 2:21 p.m., according to authorities. The school was placed on lockdown until officers cleared the scene, and students were later reunited with their families.
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. (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation)
Moore and other staff subdued the gunman until officers responded and arrested Hawkins.
“I know the word gets thrown around quite a bit, but he is a hero today,” Pauls Valley Superintendent Brett Knight said of Moore while speaking to reporters at the scene.
Officers responded to a shooting call at the school around 2:21 p.m. on Tuesday, April, 7, 2026. (KOKH-TV)
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt also praised Moore in a statement, saying that he “acted bravely to protect students’ lives.”
“Sarah and I are praying for his quick recovery,” Stitt said. “I’m thankful for the swift response from law enforcement and school staff, and I’m grateful no students were harmed.”
A motive for the shooting was unclear, officials said.
Hawkins was booked into the Garvin County Jail.
The 20-year-old was charged Wednesday with one count each of shooting with intent to kill and carrying a weapon to a public assembly, and two counts of feloniously pointing a firearm. His bond was set at $1 million.
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