An Oklahoma high school principal “saved the lives of children” when he tackled a gunman and was shot in the leg last week, the local police chief said.
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In a statement, Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore expressed gratitude for the “outpouring of love and support” following the incident last Tuesday at the school, about 90 miles south of Oklahoma City.
Investigators said in an arrest affidavit that Victor Lee Hawkins, 20, armed with two semi-automatic handguns, entered the school lobby that afternoon, ordered everyone to the ground and attempted to shoot one student, but was stopped by a malfunctioning weapon.
After clearing up the malfunction, he fired a shot at another student, but did not hit him, according to the documents.
According to the affidavit and school security video, Moore burst out of a nearby door, tackled Hawkins from behind, forced his face into a bench, pulled the gun from his hands, and with the help of the principal subdued him, as the two students begged for mercy and other students followed and were allowed to leave.
Prosecutors said Hawkins, a former student at the school, described Moore as “an asshole” and said he “wanted to do a mass shooting at my school like the Columbine shooter did,” referring to the 1999 Colorado high school shooting that killed 14 victims and two teenage gunmen.
Investigators say Hawkins admitted to taking his father’s two guns to school and took them without permission.
He said his goal was to kill students, faculty, Mr. Moore and himself, according to the affidavit.
He was shot in the leg during a confrontation with Moore and was hospitalized, authorities said.
In a statement released Friday, Moore said he is “healthy and recovering” and looks forward to returning to work as soon as possible.
Pauls Valley Police Chief Don May said in an interview that Moore’s football-like takedown prevented the tragedy.
“I’m not surprised by the actions he took, but the actions he took are surprising,” he said. “There’s no question he saved children’s lives.”
Hawkins was being held Tuesday in the Garvin County Detention Center in lieu of $1 million bail, according to jail records.
He is charged with firing with intent to kill, pointing a firearm as a felon and bringing a weapon to a public gathering, according to court records. His lawyer did not respond to a request for comment.
Hawkins was scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on May 8, according to court records.
In a statement, Moore attributed his reaction to training.
“Like many educators across the country, we prepare for these events through training and careful assessment of threats,” he said. “I am grateful that I was able to tap into my instincts, my training, and the hand of God.”
