Oklahoma Principal's Heroic Actions Prevent School Shooting Tragedy
Dramatic security camera footage has been released showing the moment an Oklahoma high school principal tackled and disarmed a gunman who had entered the school with plans to carry out a mass shooting. The incident occurred on April 7, 2026, at Pauls Valley High School in Garvin County, Oklahoma.
The Attack Unfolds
According to court documents obtained by local news outlet KFOR, 20-year-old Victor Hawkins entered the school around 2:20 p.m. after someone pushed on the door and let him inside. Hawkins immediately pointed his gun and yelled for everyone to "get on the ground." He then attempted to shoot at a student, but his weapon jammed.
Hawkins stepped behind a vending machine to clear the malfunction before emerging and pointing his pistol at two other students. One student pleaded with Hawkins not to shoot him before both students were allowed to flee through the school's front entrance.
Principal's Intervention
It was at this critical moment that Principal Kirk Moore rushed the gunman, tackling him to the ground and disarming him as students continued to escape. Security footage shows another school official entering the lobby, kicking the gun away, and removing it from the scene.
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation spokesman Hunter McKee confirmed that Hawkins was able to fire multiple rounds before being disarmed. Despite sustaining injuries during the confrontation, Moore was listed in stable condition following the incident.
Shooter's Disturbing Motives
Hawkins told investigators he went to the school with specific plans to kill students, Principal Moore, and then himself in a mass shooting "like the Columbine shooters did." This reference points to the 1999 Colorado school shooting that claimed 13 lives.
The 20-year-old has been charged with shooting with intent to kill, two counts of pointing a firearm, and carrying a weapon to a public assembly. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently being held at Garvin County Detention Center on $1 million bond.
Community Response and Recovery
Following the incident, the Garvin County Sheriff's Office confirmed that all students were safe and accounted for. McKee emphasized that "the actions of the staff and the principal stepping in as soon as they saw a subject with a firearm saved lives today."
Principal Moore shared a statement on social media expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from the school community. "This support is the reason I am healthy and recovering today," he wrote. "I look forward to returning to work as soon as possible so that I may continue my life's work educating the next generation of Oklahoma leaders."
The release of the security footage has brought national attention to the incident, highlighting both the ongoing threat of school violence and the courageous actions of educators who put themselves in harm's way to protect students.
