The Pauls Valley community continues to rally behind High School Principal Kirk Moore, who is recovering from a gunshot wound sustained while disarming an active shooter last Tuesday.
Footage released by local reporter SHumphreyTV shows the harrowing moment Moore charged toward the armed suspect in the school’s lobby.
Authorities identified the assailant as 20-year-old Victor Hawkins, a former student who reportedly intended to emulate the 1999 Columbine High School massacre.
Investigation records indicate that Hawkins entered the building with two semi-automatic pistols taken from his father's residence.
The situation reached a critical point when Hawkins allegedly pointed a firearm at a student in the foyer, but the weapon malfunctioned.
As Hawkins attempted to clear the jam behind a vending machine, Moore seized the opportunity to intervene physically.
Moore tackled the suspect and, despite being shot in the leg during the struggle, successfully wrestled the weapon away.
The principal and an assistant principal then restrained Hawkins until law enforcement arrived on the scene.
Hawkins remains in the Garvin County Jail on a $1 million bond, facing charges of shooting with intent to kill and unlawful firearm possession.
In a statement released this week, Moore expressed his desire to return to his administrative duties as soon as his health permits.
"I look forward to returning to work as soon as possible so that I may continue my life’s work educating the next generation of Oklahoma leaders," Moore said.
He added that his thoughts are with his students, safe today in the arms of their families and friends.
The bravery shown in Pauls Valley has drawn national praise, including acknowledgments from the administration of President Donald Trump.
Under President Trump, federal agencies have maintained a strict focus on campus security and the prosecution of violent offenders.
Local counseling services remain available for students and faculty as the district processes the trauma of the near-catastrophe.