Heroic Principal Crowned Prom King After Thwarting Would-be School Shooter

Just weeks after putting his life on the line to protect his students, this high school principal got a prom moment no one will ever forget.

At prom night in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, the music stopped, a name was called—and the room absolutely erupted. Principal Kirk Moore was crowned Class of 2026’s Prom King.

Students cheered, screamed, and rushed to hug him, turning what’s usually a fun tradition into something deeply meaningful. It wasn’t just about a crown—it was their way of saying thank you to the man they believe saved their lives.

The DJ even played “Hero” as Moore stood there, overwhelmed, surrounded by students who clearly adore him. “They were screaming and saying they loved him… it was just such a good night,” the DJ shared. “The school needed that after what happened.”

And what happened just days earlier is the reason that crown meant so much.

On April 7, a 20-year-old former student walked into Pauls Valley High School armed with two pistols, allegedly intending to carry out a mass shooting. Surveillance footage showed him moving through the halls, weapon in hand.

When Principal Moore saw him, he didn’t run. He charged. Moore rushed the gunman and tackled him, even after being shot in the leg during the struggle. With the help of staff, he held the suspect down until police arrived—stopping what authorities say could have been a devastating tragedy.

No students were physically harmed. Authorities said the suspect had allegedly intended to carry out a mass shooting at the school. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Victor Hawkins, a former Pauls Valley student, according to KSWO, was subsequently booked into the Garvin County Jail on two counts of pointing a firearm, one count of shooting with intent to kill, and two counts of unlawful carry, according to authorities.

The suspect has pleaded not guilty to the charges. A court hearing is currently scheduled for May 1.

Meanwhile, Moore was hospitalized but has since been released—and now, he’s back where he belongs: surrounded by the students who never forgot what he did for them.

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