Oklahoma Principal Recalls Tackling Gunman in School Shooting

Pauls Valley High School principal Kirk Moore said there was no denying the gunshots when they rang out inside the school last month.

"It was a typical day until the gunshot outside of my office," the 60-year-old principal told CBS News. He rushed toward the gunman, later identified as 20-year-old former student Victor Hawkins, calling his actions "just instinct."

"In 37 years, you go through trainings and drills and what you should do. That all goes out the window," Moore said. "I'm glad it worked out the way it did again. I think God's hand was on all of us, but I can't explain why it happened the way it did."

Moore did not realize at first that he had been shot. "We fell on the padded bench area, and he (Hawkins) just started emptying the gun into the floor," he said. "Once I got stood up, I felt the … warmth of the blood and then, I knew I'd been hit."

His actions ensured no other students or faculty were hurt. "I can't explain why I did what I did," Moore said. "I think many, many people would have done the same thing. They just don't realize it."

First responders who treated Moore included former students among the MediFlight nurse, firemen and police officers. "And it's so comforting seeing those faces rather than strangers," he said.

The longtime educator has received letters of thanks from around the world, including one from parents who lost a child in a school shooting. "We are writing to honor your extraordinary valor when violence threatened the lives of those entrusted to your care, you did not hesitate," the letter said. "In doing so, you spare countless mothers and fathers the lifelong agony that we now endure."

Students at Pauls Valley High School recently crowned Moore prom king. A GoFundMe page has raised more than $20,000 for him, but he redirected the money to the "Principal Kirk Moore Fund" at the school, which aids graduates.

Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, OERB, The People of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas, and Hobby Lobby are donating a total of $50,000 to the fund. "That's awesome," Moore said. "It's gonna be money that will be a graduation gift for kids that stuck it out. It's gonna be a nice graduation gift that you did it and reward them for that."

Hawkins was arrested at the school and faces multiple charges, including shooting with intent to kill. "I never had Victor in my office for any disciplinary reasons," Moore said. He added that he thinks of Hawkins often.

"I feel like we need to pray for that kid as much as we pray for anybody," Moore said. "I think he was just in a bad spot at that time."

Hawkins has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody on $1 million bond.