Try That in a Small Town: High School Principal Takes Down Gunman in Epic Show of Courage (Video)

In a small Oklahoma town, one brave high school principal proved that real courage still exists — and that evil doesn’t stand a chance when good men refuse to back down.

On April 7, 2026, at Pauls Valley High School, 20-year-old former student  Victor Lee Hawkins — who told investigators he was inspired by the Columbine massacre — walked into the building armed with **two loaded semi-automatic pistols**. He pointed a gun at a student in the foyer, but the weapon malfunctioned. After clearing it behind a vending machine, he came back out, fired at another student, then bizarrely told both terrified kids to “leave the scene.”

That’s when Principal Kirk Moore — a man in his mid-50s or older who has been part of the community for decades — ran out to investigate the commotion.

Hawkins shot Moore in the leg.

But Moore didn’t freeze. He didn’t run. He tackled the gunman onto a nearby bench, wrestled the pistol out of his hand, and held him down with the help of the assistant principal until police arrived. No students or other staff were injured.

**The incredible surveillance video of the takedown has now been released:**

**Watch the full footage here:**

Pauls Valley is a tight-knit community of just 6,000 people — the kind of place where “Try That in a Small Town” isn’t just a song, it’s a way of life.

Principal Moore issued a powerful statement while recovering:

> “Pauls Valley schools are safe communities unaccustomed to the type of threat we witnessed on Tuesday. Nevertheless, like so many educators around the country, we prepare for these events through training and careful assessments of threats. I am grateful that my instincts and training, as well as God’s hand, were available to come to me on Tuesday.
> My sincere thanks to the Pauls Valley police and fire departments, as well as the Garvin County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Highway Patrol and ATF agents who responded… I look forward to returning to work as soon as possible so that I may continue my life’s work educating the next generation of Oklahoma leaders.”

Hawkins is now facing multiple serious charges, including shooting with intent to kill, and is being held on $1 million bail.

This is what heroism looks like. In a world where so many schools have become soft targets, one older principal in a small Oklahoma town reminded everyone that armed evil can still be stopped by brave, prepared Americans who refuse to be victims.

Prayers for a full and fast recovery for Principal Moore. Thank you, sir — you didn’t just save lives that day. You showed the entire country what real leadership and courage look like.

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