Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore took a bullet to shield students after an armed former student entered the school Tuesday afternoon and opened fire. Authorities say Moore was shot in the leg as he confronted the gunman inside the school, and no students were injured.
The suspect, identified as 20 year old former student Victor Hawkins, entered Pauls Valley High School at about 2:20 p.m. on April 7. According to investigators, Moore and other staff members moved quickly after seeing the suspect with a gun and tried to stop him before the violence could spread further.
This story could have ended in heartbreak on a much larger scale, but Kirk Moore refused to let that happen without a fight. He did not run from the gunman. He stepped into harm’s way and put himself between the shooter and his students, willing to give his life to protect those he was entrusted to protect.
Authorities say Moore is in stable condition and the suspect was taken into custody. Classes in Pauls Valley Public Schools were canceled Wednesday as the community processed what happened inside the high school lobby.
Kirk Moore is a hero who reminds us not to lose faith in humanity. There are still great people in this world. Moore was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect his students.
Oklahoma needs more heroes like him. Mr. Moore, thank you for what you do. The Oklahoma Gaslight will keep you updated.
