An Oklahoma high school principal was shot Tuesday afternoon after confronting an armed former student who entered the campus with a gun, according to state investigators and local reports.

Kirk Moore, principal of Pauls Valley High School, was wounded in the leg during the incident, which occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m.

Authorities said Moore was transported by helicopter to a hospital, where his injuries were determined to be non life-threatening.

JUST IN: Pauls Valley Principal Kirk Moore was injured during a shooting incident today at the Pauls Valley High School according to Garvin County Sheriff's office. pic.twitter.com/HQdegrYBqO

— Tara Blume (@tcblume) April 7, 2026

The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Victor Hawkins, a former student of the school, has been charged with two counts of Pointing a Firearm, one count of Shooting with Intent to Kill, and two counts of Unlawful Carry, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

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Officials said Moore acted after noticing Hawkins enter the school armed with two handguns. Hunter McKee of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation described the sequence of events.

“The principal of the school had noticed that an adult male subject, 20 years old, had stepped foot into the school with a gun,” McKee said.

“When the principal noticed this, he quickly stepped in, as well as other staff. The subject was able to fire multiple rounds, where the principal was hurt, but no one else was.”

McKee added, “The actions of the staff and the principal stepping in as soon as they saw a subject with a firearm saved lives today.”

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According to an arrest affidavit, Hawkins entered the school and ordered individuals to comply.

The affidavit states that Hawkins yelled for everyone to “get on the ground” after entering the building. Authorities said he pointed a gun at one student, but the weapon did not fire.

Investigators said the suspect moved behind a vending machine to address the malfunction before returning and firing a shot at another student.

That student reportedly raised his hands and asked not to be shot. The affidavit states that Hawkins then allowed both students to leave, and they exited the school.

Moore emerged from his office during the incident as another shot was fired, and he was struck in the right leg. The affidavit states that Moore then engaged the suspect physically.

Moore “wrestled with Hawkins on a bench in the foyer and was able to remove Hawkins’ pistol from his hand,” the affidavit states.

Authorities said Moore, along with the school’s assistant principal, restrained Hawkins until law enforcement officers arrived.

Investigators said Hawkins later told police he had entered the school “with the intent of killing students, [faculty], and finally himself,” and that he had taken the firearms from his father’s closet.

According to the affidavit, Hawkins also stated he “wanted to conduct his own school shooting like the Columbine shooters did.”

The affidavit further states that Hawkins said he “did not like Principal Moore” and had gone to the school with the intent of targeting him.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt addressed the incident in a statement, praising the actions of school staff.

“Principal Moore acted bravely to protect students’ lives. Sarah and I are praying for his quick recovery. I’m thankful for the swift response from law enforcement and school staff, and I’m grateful no students were harmed,” Stitt said.

Authorities confirmed that no students were injured during the incident. The investigation remains ongoing.

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