Pauls Valley High School Principal Shot While Stopping Armed Intruder

The principal is expected to recover after confronting and disarming a former student who entered the school with a gun.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:58am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car window or bullet casing against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh camera flash, conceptually representing the aftermath of a school shooting without depicting any violence or victims.A shattered window or bullet casing from a school shooting incident serves as a stark reminder of the violence educators sometimes face in protecting their students.Pauls Valley Today

A Pauls Valley High School principal is recovering after he was shot while confronting and stopping an armed former student who entered the school on Tuesday afternoon. The suspect, 20-year-old Victor Hawkins, is now in custody facing multiple charges including shooting with intent to kill. The principal, Kirk Moore, is being hailed as a hero for his actions that likely prevented a much worse tragedy.

Why it matters

School shootings and gun violence in educational settings are an ongoing national crisis, and this incident highlights the bravery of educators who put themselves in harm's way to protect students. The actions of the Pauls Valley High School principal underscore the difficult situations teachers and administrators can face, and the life-or-death decisions they may have to make to keep their schools safe.

The details

Authorities say Hawkins, a former Pauls Valley High School student, walked into the front doors of the school armed with a gun. When Principal Kirk Moore saw the suspect had a firearm, he immediately intervened, physically confronting and attempting to disarm Hawkins. During the struggle, Moore was shot in the leg, but was able to stop the suspect before any students were harmed.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, during the 6th hour period when students were preparing to leave for the day.
  • Principal Kirk Moore was flown to an Oklahoma City hospital, where he is expected to recover from the gunshot wound.

The players

Victor Hawkins

A 20-year-old former student of Pauls Valley High School who entered the school armed with a gun and confronted by Principal Kirk Moore.

Kirk Moore

The 35-year veteran principal of Pauls Valley High School who confronted the armed intruder and was shot in the leg while protecting students.

Pauls Valley High School

A public high school in the small town of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma that experienced a shooting incident involving a former student.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If it wasn't for the actions of the principal and the staff, I don't know what other outcome we had.”

— Garvin County Sheriff Jim Mullett

“He saved a lot of people today. He's a good man.”

— Cody McLaughlin, Student

“I can't overemphasize the actions of school staff, the people that don't have firearms for protection, stepping in and protecting their kids. It was amazing for me to see that today.”

— Pauls Valley Police Chief Don May

What’s next

Pauls Valley Public Schools says classes will be canceled at least through Wednesday as the district brings in counselors to support students and staff following the traumatic incident.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the bravery and quick thinking of educators who are often put in harm's way to protect their students, and the difficult realities schools face in addressing gun violence and school safety.