An Oklahoma high school principal is being hailed as a hero after authorities say he singlehandedly stopped a suspected mass shooting, confronting an armed former student and preventing what could have been a devastating attack.
The incident unfolded on April 7 at Pauls Valley High School, where a 20-year-old former student entered the building shortly after 2 p.m. carrying two pistols, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Security footage captured the suspect, later identified as Victor Hawkins, walking through the school’s front doors armed and appearing to rack the slide of a handgun as he moved down a hallway, authorities said.
Moments later, the situation turned violent.
“At approximately 2:21 p.m., officers responded to a shooting call at Pauls Valley High School. When officers arrived on scene, they located an adult male with an apparent gunshot wound. It was determined the victim is the principal of the school. He was transported to a local hospital in stable condition,” officials stated.
Investigators say Principal Kirk Moore did not hesitate when confronted with the threat. As Hawkins allegedly aimed a gun directly at him, Moore charged forward. During the struggle, Moore was shot in the lower right leg but continued to fight, ultimately tackling the suspect to the ground.
Surveillance video shows Moore holding Hawkins down as an assistant principal rushed in to help secure the weapon. The two staff members restrained the suspect until law enforcement arrived, authorities said.
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“The actions of the staff and the principal stepping in as soon as they saw a subject with a firearm saved lives,” Hunter McKee, a public information manager with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, told ABC News.
According to court documents, Hawkins later told detectives he intended to carry out a mass shooting inspired by “Columbine” and admitted he “did not like Principal Moore,” saying he went to the school “to kill” him.
Despite being wounded, Moore remained conscious and alert. He was airlifted to a hospital, where video later showed him receiving treatment for his injuries.
Authorities confirmed that no students were physically harmed in the incident.
Hawkins has been charged with shooting with intent to kill, police said. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held on $1 million bond.
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Yes, truly a hero!!!