Pauls Valley High School Reopens After Shooting

Students return to class following a campus shooting that left the principal injured.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:21pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shell casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence left behind after a school shooting incident.The aftermath of a school shooting leaves behind unsettling physical evidence, underscoring the urgent need for solutions to address gun violence in educational settings.Pauls Valley Today

Just days after a shooting at Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma, the school has reopened with increased security and counseling support for students. The shooting occurred on Tuesday when a 20-year-old suspect, Victor Lee Hawkins, allegedly shot and injured the school principal, Kirk Moore, before being taken into custody by police.

Why it matters

School shootings are a tragic and all-too-common occurrence in the United States, leaving communities shaken and grappling with how to ensure student safety. The swift response by Pauls Valley school leaders to reopen the campus while providing additional support services reflects their commitment to helping students and staff heal and return to a sense of normalcy.

The details

Hawkins has been charged with two counts of unlawful carry, two counts of pointing a firearm, and one count of shooting with intent to kill. He is being held on a $1 million bond. As the legal case against Hawkins moves forward, the school district announced that classes would resume on Friday, acknowledging that many students and families may be feeling anxiety, fear or uncertainty following the incident. Counselors and care teams will be available to provide support, and additional police officers will be on all campuses to help students feel safe.

  • The shooting occurred on Tuesday afternoon at Pauls Valley High School.
  • Pauls Valley High School reopened for classes on Friday.

The players

Victor Lee Hawkins

A 20-year-old suspect who allegedly shot and injured the Pauls Valley High School principal before being taken into custody by police.

Kirk Moore

The principal of Pauls Valley High School who was shot and injured in the incident.

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What’s next

The legal case against Victor Lee Hawkins is ongoing, and the school district will continue to provide counseling and support services to students and staff in the days and weeks ahead.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges schools face in ensuring student safety and the importance of a swift, compassionate response from school leaders to help a community heal and return to normalcy after a traumatic event.