“Absolute Legend”: Oklahoma Principal Hailed as Hero After Disarming Armed Former Student in School Lobby

An Oklahoma school principal is being hailed as a hero after he tackled an armed former student in the school lobby, preventing a potential tragedy on campus.

Kirk Moore, 60, charged at the former student Victor Lee Hawkins, who was carrying two loaded semi-automatic pistols, inside the lobby of Pauls Valley High School on April 7, according to a video from KOCO.

All students were reported safe following the incident, and only Principal Moore sustained a leg injury. “Local law enforcement responded quickly, and we are thankful for their assistance. The suspect has been detained,” the school said in a statement on Facebook.

Moore was later released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

Moore said he is grateful for the “outpouring of love and support from the Pauls Valley community.”

“Pauls Valley Schools are safe communities unaccustomed to the type of threat we witnessed on Tuesday. Nevertheless, like so many educators around the country, we prepare for these events through training and careful assessment of threats,” he said. “I am grateful that my instincts and training, as well as God’s hand, were available to me.”

“I look forward to returning to work as soon as possible so that I may continue my life’s work educating the next generation of Oklahoma leaders,” he added.

Pauls Valley High School, about 60 miles south of Oklahoma City, resumed classes on April 10.

According to NBC News, Hawkins, 20, entered the school in the afternoon and ordered people to get on the ground. He allegedly attempted to shoot one student, but the gun malfunctioned.

He then cleared the malfunction and fired at another student but missed, according to his arrest affidavit. The two students pleaded for mercy and were allowed to leave, as Moore rushed out from a nearby door, tackled Hawkins from behind, and pinned him down against a bench.

Surveillance video shows Moore grabbing the pistol from Hawkins and restraining him with the help of an assistant principal.

“Give this man an award. Absolute legend,” one X user wrote. “This man is a hero.”

“Moore didn’t hesitate, rushing the gunman and wrestling his weapon from him — despite getting shot in the leg. This American hero deserves an award for his courage under fire,” wrote another.

Prosecutors allege Hawkins described Moore as someone he “did not like” and said he wanted to carry out a school shooting similar to the Columbine attack, referring to the 1999 massacre that killed 13 students and one teacher.

Hawkins told investigators he obtained the firearms from his father and intended to kill students, faculty members, Moore, and himself, according to the affidavit.

“It doesn’t surprise me, but it is amazing,” Pauls Valley Police Chief Don May said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that he saved kids’ lives.”

Hawkins is being held at the Garvin County Detention Center on $1Million bond. He faces charges including shooting with intent to kill, feloniously pointing a firearm, and carrying a weapon at a public assembly.

He is scheduled to appear in court on May 8 for a preliminary hearing.