It was just another Tuesday at Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma, until a former student walked in during the afternoon with an intent to kill. Today, instead of mourning a tragedy, the town is celebrating a hero.
There wasn’t much time to stop and think for the school principal who ran into harm’s way to protect his students.
According to KOCO News, the man charged in the shooting allegedly took two of his father’s pistols and his truck before he went to the school to carry out his act of terror.
He walked into the school and shouted for everyone to get on the ground and then pulled the trigger, but the gun didn’t fire. He pointed the gun at two other students when school principal Kirk Moore came out of his office to stop the shooter, KOCO News reported.
Moore was shot in the lower leg but still managed to get the gun away from the shooter while he and the assistant principal laid on him until law enforcement arrived.
The principal’s actions no doubt saved lives, those present said.
A community hero
“Hug your children extra close tonight. After the events of today, I am so appreciative for the brave actions of our High School Principal, Kirk Moore and his staff. He undoubtedly saved lives today through his actions,” Pauls Valley councilman Kahn Nirschl told News 9 while thanking law enforcement and everyone involved in saving lives.
“We have so much to be grateful for today.”
The principal was airlifted to to the hospital after suffering a nonlife-threatening injury.
Pauls Valley Mayor Jocelyn Rushing, who also works as an administrative assistant at the high school, told News 9 that Moore is willing to do whatever it takes for the safety of his students.
“He’s a fine man who loves the students and is willing to go out of his way to ensure their safety, and that was proven today by the steps that he took.”
Spencer Flinn, a Pauls Valley High graduate, had similar things to say.
“He is definitely the type of guy to do that. If some student was to get harmed, he would definitely take a bullet for him. I believe that,” he told KOCO News. “As soon as the bell rang and all the students were going to class, he was outside the office. He interacted with students in the lobby. He was friendly.”
The suspect’s motive
Classes were canceled Wednesday and Thursday as the community continues to take in the event.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the man charged in the shooting, Victor Hawkins, said in an interview he went into the school with the intention to kill students, faculty and then himself. Specifically, the affidavit said that Hawkins hated Moore.
KOCO News also reported that Hawkins told investigators that he had “every intention of reenacting what happened at Columbine.”
Hawkins appeared before a judge on Wednesday and was given a $1 million bond after it was determined he was a danger to the public.
Moore is in stable condition and is expected to be OK, according to his pastor, who told KOCO News the bullet just grazed Moore’s knee.
Moore declined to comment because he is a private person.
Harold Marcum, Moore’s childhood friend, said what he did Tuesday speaks to what kind of person he is.
“He’s just a great guy. He really is. He really knows the kids,” he said.
Marcum said he always showed sympathy when needed.
“We’re praying for you, Kirk. Get better, my man. Can’t wait to see you.”