Oklahoma High School Principal Tackles Gunman as Students Flee

Surveillance video captures dramatic confrontation at Pauls Valley High School

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:23pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handgun magazine against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh camera flash to create a gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the threat of gun violence in schools.A dramatic close-up of a handgun magazine, a stark visual representation of the threat of gun violence in schools.Oklahoma City Today

Newly released video shows the principal of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma, Kirk Moore, tackling and disarming a former student, Victor Hawkins, who entered the school lobby and began firing a pistol. Principal Moore was shot in the leg during the confrontation but was able to wrestle Hawkins to the ground and hold him until police arrived.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the bravery of school administrators who put themselves in harm's way to protect students, as well as the ongoing challenges of gun violence in American schools. The video provides a rare firsthand look at how a school shooting situation can unfold.

The details

According to court records, on April 7, 2026, Victor Hawkins, a former student, entered the lobby of Pauls Valley High School and began firing a pistol. Principal Kirk Moore confronted Hawkins and the two engaged in a struggle, during which Moore was shot in the leg. However, Moore was able to tackle Hawkins, disarm him, and pin him to a bench until law enforcement arrived on the scene.

  • The incident occurred on April 7, 2026 at Pauls Valley High School.

The players

Kirk Moore

The principal of Pauls Valley High School who tackled and disarmed the gunman.

Victor Hawkins

A former student of Pauls Valley High School who entered the school with a firearm and began shooting.

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What’s next

The suspect, Victor Hawkins, has been charged with several felonies including assault with a deadly weapon and will face a judge in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This incident demonstrates the bravery of school administrators who are willing to put themselves in harm's way to protect students, and the ongoing challenges of gun violence in American schools. The video provides a rare firsthand look at how a school shooting situation can unfold.