Pauls Valley Principal Crowned Prom King After Stopping School Shooting
Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma has captured national attention after students honored Principal Kirk Moore as prom king for 2026, recognizing his heroic actions during a school shooting earlier this month.
The prom, held on April 17 inside the same school building where the incident occurred, became a moment of unity and celebration. Students voted to crown Moore prom king after he successfully intervened during a shooting on April 7, preventing further harm to students and staff.
During the crowning ceremony, an announcer introduced him as “our king, Kirk Moore,” as cheering students applauded his bravery. Moore, who was shot in the leg while stopping the attacker, smiled as he accepted the crown in an emotional moment shared widely on social media.
Authorities have praised Moore for his quick response, crediting him with helping to prevent a greater tragedy.
The suspect, Victor Hawkins, 20, faces multiple felony charges including shooting with intent to kill and bringing a firearm into a public setting. Court documents allege he expressed a desire to carry out a school shooting similar to past high-profile attacks.
The incident has sparked conversations about school safety, heroism, and the role of educators in crisis situations, with Moore now widely regarded as a local hero.