A high school principal in Oklahoma was shot in the leg but still managed to wrestle down a suspected gunman after a firearm malfunction prevented an initial shot from being fired at a student, authorities said.
The incident occurred on April 7 at Pauls Valley High School shortly after 2pm, when 20-year-old Victor Lee Hawkins allegedly entered the campus armed with two loaded semi-automatic pistols, according to an arrest affidavit.
Investigators alleged that Hawkins, a 2025 graduate of the same school, entered the building with the intention of carrying out a mass shooting, reportedly telling authorities he wanted to replicate the 1999 Columbine High School massacre in Colorado.
According to the affidavit, Hawkins first pointed a weapon at a student and attempted to fire, but the gun malfunctioned. After briefly stepping away to fix the weapon, he allegedly pointed it at another student before allowing the student to leave unharmed.
Moments later, Hawkins allegedly fired inside the school, triggering panic as staff responded to the unfolding situation.
Principal Kirk Moore rushed from his office towards the scene and attempted to restrain the suspect, but was shot in the lower right leg during the struggle, investigators said.
Despite his injury, Moore managed to tackle Hawkins and disarm him, with assistance from an assistant principal before police arrived and arrested the suspect.
Authorities have credited the principal’s actions with preventing further casualties, with officials saying his intervention likely saved lives during the attack.
Hawkins now faces multiple charges, including shooting with intent to kill and unlawful possession of firearms, while Moore is expected to recover from his injuries.
