Hero Principal Tackles Gunman and Prevents Mass Shooting – Credits ‘God’s Hand’
An Oklahoma high school principal is being hailed as a hero after tackling a gunman who entered the campus and, authorities say, was intent on carrying out a mass shooting.
The principal, for his part, is pointing beyond his own actions and crediting divine intervention.
The frightening incident unfolded on April 7 and is receiving renewed coverage a week later thanks to security footage showing a former student walking into Pauls Valley (Okla.) High School and pointing a gun at other students before Kirk Moore – the school’s principal – sprints into the frame and pins the gunman onto a bench – using his full body weight to keep him from moving. A second adult then rushes into view and removes the weapon.
NEW: Oklahoma high school principal seen charging at and disarming a school shooter in footage obtained by @SHumphreyTV.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 14, 2026
Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore is being called a hero after getting shot while stopping a school shooter.
The suspect, identified as… pic.twitter.com/WOilXQIt5q
Pauls Valley is about 60 miles south of Oklahoma City.
Authorities say the suspect, 20-year-old Victor Lee Hawkins, entered the school lobby armed with two semiautomatic handguns and ordered those inside to get on the ground. According to an arrest affidavit, he initially tried to shoot a student, but the weapon malfunctioned, NBC News reported. After clearing it, he fired at another student and missed.
Investigators said the students pleaded for their lives and were allowed to leave, prompting others to flee as well. At that moment, Moore rushed from a nearby doorway and tackled Hawkins.
Moore was shot in the leg but is expected to recover.
Law enforcement said Hawkins, a former student, had a personal grievance against Moore, telling investigators he “did not like” him and wanted to carry out a school shooting similar to the Columbine High School massacre. That 1999 shooting resulted in the deaths of 13 students and one teacher.
Hawkins allegedly took the guns from his father without permission. He also told investigators his plan was to kill students, staff, Moore, and ultimately himself.
“It doesn't surprise me the actions that he took, but it is amazing, the actions that he took,” said Pauls Valley Police Chief Don May. “There's not a doubt in my mind that he saved kids' lives.”
Moore said he is “healthy and recovering.”
"Like so many educators around the country, we prepare for these events through training and careful assessment of the threats," he said. "I am grateful that my instincts and training, as well as God's hand, were available to me."
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Photo Credit: ©Pauls Valley High School
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published April 15, 2026.
