Oklahoma Principal Hailed as Hero and Prom King After Thwarting School Shooting

In a remarkable twist, what initially seemed like an ordinary prom night at a school located southwest of Oklahoma City transformed into a heartfelt tribute. Principal Kirk Moore was unexpectedly crowned prom king, weeks after his courageous actions saved students’ lives. Moore had bravely intervened by tackling a gunman inspired by the infamous Columbine shooting.

“It was an incredible experience,” shared junior Rachel Hamilton. “It felt deeply rewarding to honor him in this way, recognizing the bravery he truly deserves.”

Surveillance footage released on April 7 from Pauls Valley High School captures the moment Moore was shot in the leg while subduing the alleged gunman, identified as 20-year-old former student Victor Lee Hawkins. Authorities report that Hawkins, in his Columbine-inspired attack, entered the school with two semiautomatic handguns, ordering people to the floor and attempting to shoot a student. However, his gun malfunctioned, allowing Moore to take decisive action and prevent further tragedy.

“There were so many elements at play that seemed beyond mere coincidence,” Hamilton reflected. “It truly felt like a divine presence was watching over us all.”

The crowning of Principal Kirk Moore as prom king was a poignant moment, celebrating his heroism in the face of danger when a gunman opened fire on campus. (Burk Ozbirn Oz Productions via Storyful)

In her interview on America Reports on Monday she emphasized that divine interventions prevented greater tragedies. 

Around 2:20 p.m. CT, Hamilton was making her way through the courtyard, the approximate time Hawkins attempted to attack.

“I remember I was walking, and I heard this crash, and obviously you don’t think it’s a shooter,” she said.

She continued toward the tennis courts, like any normal day, before learning Moore had been shot.

“I was the only one outside in the courtyard,” she said. “He could’ve come in that way and there were no adults around.”

Junior Isaac Jacobson learned the severity of the situation as it unfolded off campus.

Officials are seen outside Pauls Valley High School, where a shooting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, injured principal Kirk Moore near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Jessie Christopher Smith/The Oklahoman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

“If any circumstance went differently, people would’ve died,” Jacobson said. “If his gun didn’t misfire, or if Moore wasn’t there at that moment, things would’ve been different. Just the sheer amount of coincidences that happened surrounding that situation, I don’t see any other way other than God’s hand.”

As he approached his car, like any other end to a school day, he saw a horde of police officers springing into the building. The next hour was filled with anxiety.

Unable to reach his friends due to Oklahoma schools’ phone ban, which prohibits the use of cell phones from the first bell to dismissal, he feared the worst. 

“I’m only 17,” Jacobson said. “I’m not ready to lose my friends.”

He was later relieved to learn some of his friends narrowly avoided being in the office where the confrontation occurred after they “stopped to see a random teacher” instead.

The totality of all these circumstances, the gun misfiring, Moore’s exact positioning, Jacobson’s friends’ change of plans or where Hawkins chose to enter the school led Hamilton and Jacobson to believe is direct evidence of the Lord’s hand at work.

A few weeks later, the two students said they felt prom felt like a moment of relief and an opportunity to celebrate and come together after what they believed was both physical and spiritual protection.

“Everybody seemed – not like we were not over it, but celebrating how well it went,” said Jacobson. “I went up and shook his [Moore’s] hand and thanked him for everything because I hadn’t gotten to that point.”

Pauls Valley High School principal Kirk Moore was crowned the school’s prom king after heroically tackling a gunman who opened fire on campus. (Burk Ozbirn Oz Productions via Storyful)

The two then reflected on the aftermath of what they and their community had endured.

Even though she admits “it’s kind of cliche,” Hamilton says she feels that you have to live your life to the fullest; tomorrow’s not guaranteed, which is so true, especially from a religious stance.

“Ultimately, beyond the fear, it gives me hope knowing that there’s good people like Coach Moore and others,” said Jacobson. “It gives me hope we’re able to step in and that this bravery won’t just be thrown away.”

According to court records, Hawkins has been charged with two counts of unlawful carry, two counts of pointing a firearm and one count of shooting with intent to kill. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, and bail was set at $1 million. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 8.