An Oklahoma high school principal was shot in the leg Tuesday after confronting a former student armed with a gun, authorities said. Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School was injured during the incident, but his injuries were non-life-threatening. The suspect, 20-year-old Victor Hawkins, was taken into custody. No students were harmed in the shooting, which occurred around 2:21 p.m.
Moore and other staff members subdued Hawkins until law enforcement arrived. The suspect was armed with two handguns and reportedly yelled for everyone to "get on the ground" before a gun malfunctioned. Hawkins faces charges including Pointing a Firearm, Shooting with Intent to Kill, and Unlawful Carry.
Authorities praised Moore's actions, with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt calling him a hero for protecting students. The school was placed on lockdown, and students were later reunited with their families. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) confirmed that the principal and staff's quick response prevented further harm.