Surveillance Footage Captures Heroic Principal Confronting Armed Intruder at Oklahoma High School
Newly released surveillance footage has documented the harrowing moment when Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore intervened to stop an armed man who entered the school premises. The incident, which unfolded in the school lobby, shows Moore emerging from behind a wall and tackling the gunman, identified as 20-year-old Victor Lee Hawkins, onto a bench as students fled to safety.
Details of the Confrontation and Shooting
According to investigators, Hawkins walked into the school lobby armed with two semi-automatic handguns and ordered everyone to the ground. He attempted to shoot one student, but his weapon jammed. After clearing the malfunction, he fired at another student and missed. Both students pleaded for their lives and were allowed to leave, with others following suit.
Principal Moore then burst out from a nearby office and tackled Hawkins, pinning him to a bench and forcing one of the handguns out of his grasp. Another school official quickly intervened, kicking the weapon away and securing it in an office. During the struggle, Hawkins managed to fire a shot, striking Moore in the leg. Authorities have confirmed that Moore was hospitalized and is now healthy and recovering from his injuries.
Motives and Legal Proceedings
Prosecutors revealed that Hawkins, a former student at the school, stated he did not like Moore and was inspired by the 1999 Columbine High School shooting in Colorado. He allegedly told police he took firearms owned by his father without permission and intended to kill students, faculty members, Moore, and himself.
Pauls Valley Police Chief Don May praised Moore's actions, emphasizing that the tackle likely prevented a massacre. It doesn't surprise me the actions that he took, but it is amazing, the actions that he took, May said. There's not a doubt in my mind that he saved kids' lives.
Current Status and Charges
Hawkins is currently in custody at the Garvin County Detention Center on $1 million bail. He faces multiple charges, including:
- Shooting with intent to kill
- Two counts of feloniously pointing a firearm
- Two counts of carrying a weapon to a public assembly
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 8, where further legal proceedings will take place. The community has rallied around Principal Moore, hailing him as a hero for his courageous actions in protecting students during this critical incident.
