Principal who stopped school shooter, crowned prom king

Principal of Pauls Valley High school / File: The Independent 

Kirk Moore, principal of Pauls Valley High School, became a hero on April 7 when he confronted a gunman inside the school’s lobby. Acting quickly, Moore tackled and disarmed the suspect before the situation could escalate further. During the struggle, he was shot in the leg, but his actions prevented any injuries among students or staff.

Authorities later praised the swift response of Moore and the school staff, saying their intervention likely saved lives. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old former student Victor Hawkins, now faces multiple serious charges, including shooting with intent to kill and bringing a weapon to a public place. He is expected to appear in court on May 8.

Just over a week after the incident, students found a heartfelt way to show their gratitude. At the school’s prom on Friday night, Moore was met with loud cheers as he was crowned prom king. Video from the event shows students applauding, smiling, and giving him high-fives as he accepted the honor.

The moment marked a powerful shift from fear to celebration, highlighting the strong bond between the principal and his students. What began as a terrifying incident ended with a community coming together to recognize courage, resilience, and leadership in the face of danger.