Full Breakdown
Principal Kirk Moore Tackles Shooter at Pauls Valley High School
5/11/2026, 9:57:28 PM
Shooting and Immediate Intervention
A gunman entered Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma and opened fire inside the building. Principal Kirk Moore, 60, rushed toward the 20-year-old former student Victor Hawkins, engaged him, and was struck by gunfire. Moore’s intervention prevented further injuries; no other students or staff were harmed.
Training Versus Instinct
Moore, who has 37 years of experience with school safety drills, said the situation “all goes out the window” and that his response was driven by “just instinct,” overriding formal training. He emphasized that after nearly four decades of drills, the reality of the moment required immediate, instinctive action rather than scripted procedures.
Timeline and Legal Status
- Gunshots heard outside Moore’s office; Moore confronts shooter.
- Moore falls on a padded bench, feels “warmth of the blood,” and confirms he was hit.
- Hawkins is arrested, charged with shooting with intent to kill, pleads not guilty, and is held on a $1 million bond.
- Over the next weeks, the school community honors Moore, crowning him prom king.
Community Support and Fundraising
Donations exceeded $20,000 on GoFundMe and $50,000 from Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, OERB, The People of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas, and Hobby Lobby. All contributions were redirected to the “Principal Kirk Moore Fund,” a scholarship-style pool intended as graduation gifts for seniors. The school also honored Moore by crowning him prom king and by sharing a letter of gratitude from a family who lost a child in a school shooting.
Official Statements
Moore described his actions as instinctual, noting that standard training was set aside during the crisis. He expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and emphasized prayers for Hawkins, adding that he never had the student in his office for disciplinary reasons. He also said he felt a sense of divine presence guiding the response.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was a typical day until the gunshot outside of my office,” — Kirk Moore, principal
- “just instinct.” — Kirk Moore
- “In 37 years, you go through trainings and drills and what you should do. That all goes out the window,” — Kirk Moore
- “That's awesome,” — Kirk Moore, reacting to donations
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The provided sources present a consistent account of the shooting, injuries, and legal proceedings. No contradictory details appear, and the shooter’s motive remains unspecified.
What’s Next
Victor Hawkins remains in custody awaiting trial, while the Principal Kirk Moore Fund will be administered by Pauls Valley High School to provide graduation gifts for seniors. The fund is slated to be distributed at the upcoming graduation ceremony. The school plans to continue honoring Moore’s actions in future assemblies.
