By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• An armed former student entered Pauls Valley High School in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, on April 7 and opened fire in the school lobby.
• Principal Kirk Moore tackled and disarmed the suspect after shots were fired, according to surveillance video and police statements.
• Moore was shot in the leg during the confrontation and taken to a hospital; no students were reported injured.
• The suspect, identified as Victor Lee Hawkins, 20, was arrested and charged with firearm-related offenses.
• Law enforcement said swift staff action prevented further violence.
PAULS VALLEY, OK — Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore tackled and disarmed a former student who opened fire inside the school lobby on April 7, according to law enforcement and newly released surveillance video.
The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Victor Lee Hawkins, entered the Pauls Valley school carrying at least one handgun and fired before Moore confronted him, officials said.
Moore was shot in the leg during the struggle and was transported to a medical facility in stable condition; authorities reported no students were injured in the incident.
Another staff member assisted in subduing Hawkins and removing the firearm until law enforcement arrived on scene, police said.
Hawkins was taken into custody and booked on multiple charges that include shooting with intent to kill, unlawful carry of a weapon and feloniously pointing a firearm, according to officials.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation continues to review the incident and has said Moore’s actions, along with other staff members’ response, helped prevent additional harm.