- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Pauls Valley Today
By the People, for the People
Oklahoma Principal Tackles Armed Student Intending 'Columbine' Attack
Authorities say the 20-year-old former student wanted to kill students and staff before taking his own life.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:50am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The shattered remains of a security camera lens serve as a somber reminder of the violence that can erupt in schools, and the bravery of those who risk their lives to protect students.Pauls Valley TodayA former student at Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma was charged with shooting with intent to kill and other counts after allegedly entering the school with his father's guns, intending to carry out a Columbine-style mass shooting. The school's principal, Kirk Moore, was shot in the leg while tackling and disarming the suspect, but is expected to recover.
Why it matters
The Columbine massacre in 1999 has inspired numerous later school shootings, leading to increased security measures and police training. This incident highlights the ongoing threat of copycat attacks and the bravery of school leaders who put themselves in harm's way to protect students.
The details
According to court documents, 20-year-old Victor Hawkins, a former Pauls Valley High School student, entered the school on Tuesday with two of his father's guns, intending to kill students, staff, and then himself in a Columbine-style attack. Principal Kirk Moore heard gunfire from his office and rushed to confront Hawkins, leading to a struggle where Moore was shot in the leg. Moore and the assistant principal were able to pin Hawkins to the floor until police arrived.
- On April 9, 2026, Hawkins allegedly entered Pauls Valley High School with guns.
- During the incident, Principal Kirk Moore was shot in the leg while tackling the suspect.
The players
Victor Hawkins
A 20-year-old former student at Pauls Valley High School who was charged with shooting with intent to kill, two counts of pointing a firearm, and two misdemeanor counts related to bringing a weapon into a public assembly.
Kirk Moore
The 60-year-old principal of Pauls Valley High School who tackled and disarmed the armed suspect, sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg that is expected to heal.
What they’re saying
“He would do anything to save those kids.”
— Madison Knighten, Former Pauls Valley High School student
“If some student was to get harmed, he would definitely take a bullet for him. I believe that.”
— Spencer Flinn, Former Pauls Valley High School student
What’s next
Hawkins is being held on $1 million bail, and the judge will decide whether to allow him to be released on bail.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the ongoing threat of school shootings inspired by past tragedies like Columbine, and the critical role of vigilant school leaders willing to put themselves in harm's way to protect students.
