Praise for Oklahoma principal who took down would-be shooter

Law enforcement and politicians this week cheered the quick action of an Oklahoma principal who tackled a gunman entering his high school. Surveillance video showed Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore charging at the intruder, who held two handguns. After Moore subdued the gunman, the video footage then showed another staff member removing the gun from the shooter’s hand. Moore was shot in the leg during the April 7 incident, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. But his actions prevented any other harm to staff members and students, OSBI said.

Moore said in a Friday statement that he was healthy and recovering from the gunshot wound. He expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love for the school following the incident. He credited his instincts, training, and God’s hand for helping him to act quickly that day. Pauls Valley High School is about 60 miles south of Oklahoma City.

What have people said about Moore’s actions? 

• Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said that he didn’t flinch but leaped into action.

• Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas blessed Moore in a post and called him an American hero.

• Seth Dillon, CEO of the Baylon Bee, said Moore had zero hesitation when he took selfless, necessary action.

• Don May, chief of the Pauls Valley police department, told NBC News that there was no doubt Moore saved kids’ lives.

• Pauls Valley Mayor Jocelyn Rushing told KWTV-DT that Moore was a fine man who was willing to go out of his way to ensure their safety.

• A student council at a nearby school gave the principal a gift basket in recognition of what they called brave and selfless actions.

Who was the alleged shooter? Officers identified the suspect in custody as 20-year-old Victor Hawkins, a former student of the high school. Hawkins was arrested for one count of pointing a firearm, one count of shooting with intent to kill, and two counts of unlawful carry, OSBI said. He was booked in jail on a $1 million bail, according to court records. He entered a not guilty plea. Hawkins is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report on an attempted church shooting in Houston.