Coronary heart-stopping video reveals a heroic Oklahoma highschool principal tackling a Columbine-obsessed ex-student moments after allegedly being shot.
Kirk Moore, 60, charged at 20-year-old Victor Lee Hawkins, who was armed with two loaded semi-automatic pistols, within the foyer of Pauls Valley Excessive College final Tuesday afternoon, in line with surveillance footage obtained by KOCO.
Moore, the one individual injured as Hawkins opened hearth inside the varsity, was hailed for his bravery and stopping a tragedy of a a lot bigger scale.
Hawkins allegedly advised investigators he “didn’t like Principal Moore” and “went to the varsity to kill” him. He ordered everybody to get onto the bottom earlier than attempting to fireside at one pupil within the foyer, court docket paperwork seen by KFOR revealed.
The crazed gunman’s weapon malfunctioned earlier than he aimed his pistol at one other pupil, who begged him to not open hearth.
Moore, who has labored within the college district for greater than 35 years, rushed to the varsity foyer to research the commotion.
Hawkins was seen pointing his weapon on the Moore’s head and firing a shot, which struck the educator’s proper leg, earlier than he was tackled.
The principal shoved the gunman towards a bench earlier than getting on high of him, whereas the terrified pupil fled.
Moore pinned down Hawkins’ proper hand, stopping him from firing his pistol earlier than the weapon dropped onto the ground.
One other grownup male, carrying a crimson shirt and beige pants, sprinted into shot earlier than serving to Moore and kicking the gun away.
Hunter McKee, of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, praised Moore and staffers for his or her quick-thinking response, saying, “The actions of the employees and the principal stepping in as quickly as they noticed a topic with a firearm saved lives at present.”
Brett Knight, the Pauls Valley Superintendent, described Moore as a “hero,” the Oklahoman reported.
“He’s truly been a mentor to me,” he advised 9News.
“He was kinda (the) one which type of helped me after I was first employed.”
Councilman Kahn Nirschl stated he was “so appreciative” of Moore’s intervention.
“He undoubtedly saved lives at present by way of his actions,” he stated.
Hawkins admitted to stealing the weapons from his dad and advised investigators he “needed to conduct his personal college taking pictures just like the Columbine shooters did,” referring to the 1999 bloodbath that left 14 victims lifeless.
The newest sufferer, Anne Marie Hochhalter, who was left paralyzed after being shot, died in February final 12 months.
Hawkins has been charged with taking pictures with intent to kill and different firearm-related expenses, and can seem in court docket on Could 8.
In the meantime, Moore stated he’s “wholesome and recovering” after being hospitalized.
