Newly released surveillance video captures the moment an Oklahoma high school principal rushed toward danger and stopped an armed intruder who had opened fire inside the building.
The footage shows Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore confronting the suspect, later identified as 20-year-old former student Victor Hawkins, after he entered the school on April 7. Within seconds, Moore moves directly toward him, even as shots are fired.
Authorities said Moore was struck in the leg during the encounter. He was later airlifted to a hospital and listed in stable condition.
The video also appears to show someone opening a door and letting Hawkins inside. Investigators with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said they do not believe that person was working with the suspect. It’s still unclear whether the individual was a student or a staff member.
The shooting began around 2:21 p.m., triggering a lockdown across the campus. According to investigators, Hawkins came into the school carrying two loaded semi-automatic pistols.
HOLY CRAP! Newly-released surveillance video shows a high school principal in Oklahoma TACKLING a school shooter before he could open fire on kids
What a HERO!
Principal Kirk Moore RUSHED the shooter when he aimed at his first would-be victim, wresting the gun away from him.… pic.twitter.com/Z75dmXKFLw
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 14, 2026
HOLY CRAP! Newly-released surveillance video shows a high school principal in Oklahoma TACKLING a school shooter before he could open fire on kidsAfter hearing gunfire, Moore ran toward the lobby, where the suspect had already begun confronting students. Court documents say Hawkins pointed a gun at people inside and shouted for them to get on the ground.
At one point, he aimed at a student and tried to fire, but the weapon malfunctioned. As he attempted to fix the issue, the situation remained tense, with students caught in close range.
Moments later, Moore reached the lobby. According to an arrest affidavit, Hawkins fired at him, hitting him in the leg. Despite the injury, Moore kept moving and engaged the suspect physically.
The two struggled on a bench in the foyer, where Moore managed to wrestle one of the guns out of Hawkins’ hand. Other staff members quickly joined in, helping restrain the suspect until law enforcement arrived and took him into custody.
Investigators say Hawkins later attempted to fire again at another student, who raised his hands and pleaded not to be shot. The gunman ultimately lowered the weapon and told students to leave.
Moore was the only person injured in the incident, something authorities say could have turned out very differently.
An OSBI spokesperson said the quick response from Moore and other staff likely prevented further harm. By stepping in immediately, they disrupted what could have escalated into a much more serious attack.
Hawkins now faces multiple charges, including shooting with intent to kill, bringing a weapon onto school grounds, and feloniously pointing a firearm.
Court records also show Hawkins had studied past school shootings, including Columbine, and told investigators he wanted to carry out a similar attack.
