The Oklahoma principal who confronted the suspect was crowned king by students

What started as a routine ad in southwest Oklahoma City became a miracle when Principal Kirk Moore was crowned just weeks after he bravely saved the lives of students by confronting the suspected Columbine shooter.

“It was definitely an amazing experience, and it was heartwarming to know that we were giving her the credit she deserved,” said junior Rachel Hamilton.

Camera images released April 7 at Pauls Valley High School shows Moore being shot in the leg during a struggle with the suspect, identified as 20-year-old former student Victor Lee Hawkins. Authorities say in the Columbine-inspired attack, Hawkins walked into the lobby with two automatic rifles, ordered people to the ground and tried to shoot a student before his gun went off and he was stopped by Moore.

“I think there are a lot of things that happened that could have happened,” said Hamilton. “Surely it was God watching over us all.”

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To him interview on America Reports On Monday, he stressed that God’s intervention prevents major disasters.

At about 2:20 pm CT, Hamilton was passing through the yard, around the time Hawkins attempted the attack.

“I remember walking, I heard this crash, and obviously you don’t think it’s the shooter,” she said.

He continued to the tennis courts, like any normal day, before he learned that Moore had been shot.

“I was the only one out in the yard,” he said. “He could have come in like that and there weren’t any adults.”

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Junior Isaac Jacobson learned the gravity of the situation as it unfolded outside the campus.

Officials are seen outside Pauls Valley High School, where a shooting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, injured Principal Kirk Moore near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Jessie Christopher Smith/The Oklahoman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

“If things had gone differently, people would have died,” said Jacobson. “If his gun hadn’t misfired, or if Moore hadn’t been there at the time, things would have been different. The amount of things that happened in that situation, I don’t see any other way than the hand of God.”

As he approached his car, like any other at the end of the school day, he saw a group of policemen entering the building. The next hour was full of anxiety.

He could not reach his friends because Phone ban for Oklahoma schoolsprohibiting the use of mobile phones from the first bell to be fired, fearing the worst.

“I’m only 17,” Jacobson said. “I’m not ready to lose my friends.”

He was later relieved to learn that some of his friends narrowly avoided being in the office where the fight broke out after they “stopped to see an unexpected teacher” instead.

The totality of all these circumstances, the misfire of the gun, the exact location of Moore, the change of plans of Jacobson’s friends or when Hawkins chose to enter the school led Hamilton and Jacobson to believe that it was direct evidence of the hand of the Lord at work.

A few weeks later, the two students said they felt relieved as a chance to be happy and a chance to celebrate and reunite after what they believed was physical and spiritual protection.

“Everybody was visible – it’s like we weren’t on top of it, but we were celebrating how well it went,” said Jacobson. “I went up and shook him [Moore’s] I thanked him for everything because I hadn’t reached that point yet.”

Pauls Valley High School Principal, Kirk Moore, has been crowned the school’s king after fighting off a gunman who opened fire on campus. (Burk Ozbirn Oz Productions via Storyful)

The two then reflected on the outcome of what they and their community had endured.

Even though he admits it’s “kind of cliche,” Hamilton says he feels you should live your life to the fullest; The future is not guaranteed, which is very true, especially from a religious standpoint.

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Ultimately, without fear, it gives me hope to know that there are good people like Coach Moore and others,” said Jacobson. “It gives me hope that we will be able to intervene and this intelligence will not just be thrown away.”

According to court records, Hawkins was charged with two counts of illegal carrying, two counts of pointing a firearm and one count of shooting with intent to kill. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment, and bail was set at $1 million. His first court appearance is scheduled for May 8.