Oklahoma gunman tried to mimic the Columbine massacre at a high school, but principal’s split-second reaction stopped a sickening catastrophe

Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore successfully stopped a potential catastrophe on April 7 when he tackled a gunman who had entered the school with the intent to carry out a massacre. The suspect, 20-year-old Victor Lee Hawkins, allegedly arrived at the campus shortly after 2:00 PM with two loaded semiautomatic pistols. According to an arrest affidavit, Hawkins, a 2025 graduate of the school, entered the building with the intent of killing students, facility, and finally himself.

The situation began to unfold in the lobby when Hawkins pointed a firearm at a female student and pulled the trigger. The weapon malfunctioned, forcing him to step behind a vending machine to clear the jam. Hawkins then emerged and aimed the gun at a male student, who raised his hands and asked not to be shot. Hawkins allowed this student to leave, but he soon fired the weapon inside the school. It was at this point that Principal Moore ran from his office to intervene.

According to People, during the ensuing struggle, Hawkins allegedly shot Moore in the lower right leg. Despite the injury, Moore managed to wrestle the suspect onto a bench and strip the gun from his hand. The principal and an assistant principal then held Hawkins down until law enforcement arrived to take him into custody.

He knew the risk and still ran straight at him

Investigators later noted that Hawkins told authorities he wanted to conduct his own school shooting like the Columbine shooters did. The affidavit further stated that Hawkins went to the school specifically to kill Moore. The community and local officials have been vocal about the bravery displayed by the principal. Pauls Valley Police Chief Don May noted, “There’s not a doubt in my mind that he saved kids’ lives.” Former students also expressed that they were not surprised by the principal’s actions.

Spencer Flinn said, “If some student was to get harmed, he would definitely take a bullet for him. I believe that.” Another former student, Madison Knighten, added, “He would do anything to save those kids.” Moore is expected to recover from his injuries and has stated he is looking forward to returning to work. In a statement, the principal expressed gratitude for the support he received and credited his response to his professional preparation.

“Like so many educators around the country, we prepare for these events through training and careful assessment of the threats. I am grateful that my instincts and training, as well as God’s hand, were available to me,” he said. The school has long prioritized safety through training and practice, as noted on its website. The administration emphasizes that it has developed and practiced safety measures to be taken should there be an intruder or dangerous individual on campus.

“It is our foremost concern that our students feel and are safe at school,” the statement reads. This vigilance is a response to the ongoing threat of school violence, including the tragedy at a Georgia High School, where a 14-year-old kid was accused of opening fire on students and teachers. Hawkins currently remains at the Garvin County detention center on $1 million bail.

He is facing several charges, including shooting with intent to kill, feloniously pointing a firearm, and carrying a weapon to a public assembly. He is scheduled for a court appearance on May 8.