OSBI confirms Pauls Valley High School shooter is former student

The Pauls Valley community is celebrating Principal Kirk Moore, who tackled a gunman at the high school on Tuesday. “He’s actually been a mentor to me,” said Dr. Brett Knight, superintendent of Pauls Valley Public Schools. “He was kinda (the) one that kind of helped me when I was first hired.” Moore suffered a gunshot wound to the leg while subduing the gunman. Pauls Valley Mayor Jocelyn Rushing works with Moore at the high school as an administrative assistant. “He’s a fine man who loves the students and is willing to go out of his way to ensure their safety, and that was proven today by the steps that he took,” Rushing said. Rushing said the ministerial alliance in Pauls Valley will also be available to counsel with students, plus the resources the school is making available which includes regular counselors. “I’m quite pleased with Pauls Valley and the way that the community comes together in such a time as this,” Rushing added. Gunman Identified The gunman in a shooting at Pauls Valley High School has been identified as 20-year-old Victor Hawkins, a former student, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations. OSBI said Hawkins was taken into the Garvin County Jail on two counts of Pointing a Firearm, one count of Shooting with Intent to Kill, and two counts of Unlawful Carry. RELATED: Pauls Valley High School principal injured in school shooting; shooter identified as former student OSBI said the school principal, Kirk Moore, noticed the gunman when he stepped into the school, and stepped in. “The principal of the school had noticed that an adult male subject, 20 years old, had stepped foot into the school with a gun,” Hunter McKee with the OSBI said. “When the principal noticed this, he quickly stepped in as well as other school staff. The subject was able to fire multiple rounds where the principal was hurt, but no one else was. And the principal, as well as school staff, was able to subdue the subject before, obviously, other people were hurt, including students.” The suspect fired multiple rounds, hitting Moore in the leg, according to OSBI. Authorities said no students were injured. OSBI said the school was placed under lockdown. Pauls Valley Police Chief, Don May said once police arrived, they secured the scene and set up a crime scene. May said the OSBI is the lead agency in this investigation. Classes canceled on Thursday Pauls Valley Public Schools has announced that classes for Thursday have been canceled. In a social media post, the district said counseling will be available for students in the district, and that the district will resume out-of-town student activities “There is nothing more important to Pauls Valley Public Schools than the safety, health and well-being of our students and staff,” the district said. “We know many students and adults may be feeling anxiety, worry or fear following Tuesday’s incident.” Oklahoma State Superintendent of Education State Superintendent Lindell Fields said his department will examine what resources it can provide to help schools stay safe. Fields also applauded the principle for keeping the high school safe. Gov. Kevin Stitt addresses shooting In a statement, Gov. Kevin Stitt said, “I’ve spoken to Pauls Valley Superintendent Dr. Brett Knight regarding the shooting at the high school where Principal Kirk Moore was injured,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “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.” Lawmakers issue statements following Pauls Valley shooting Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, and Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore released a joint statement following the shooting at Puals Valley High School, it said, “We are grateful for the swift response from local law enforcement and for the extraordinary courage shown by the principal, who put his students first in a moment of real danger. We are praying for his full recovery and lifting up the entire Pauls Valley community as details continue to unfold. We thank God that no students were harmed. “Acts like this are exactly why the Oklahoma Legislature is taking a strong stand to protect our schools and our youngest Oklahomans. We have committed a permanent, recurring $50 million investment in school safety every single year to make sure our children are protected, and our classrooms remain secure. Oklahoma will not back down when it comes to defending our kids and keeping dangerous individuals out of our schools.” Amy Richey, Pauls Valley Councilwoman “Today has been a tough day for our precious community. We are so grateful for our school staff, first responders, and everyone who acted quickly to protect our kids. Keeping them safe was clearly the top priority, and that matters. Prayers for our hero Principal Kirk Moore, our students, educators and their families tonight.” Kahn Nirschl, Pauls Valley Councilman “Hug your children extra close tonight. After the events of today, I am so appreciative for the brave actions of our High School Principal, Kirk Moore and his staff. He undoubtedly saved lives today through his actions. Prayers for his recovery. Appreciate every teacher, staff member, our school superintendent and the board for their calm and level headed actions, as well as PVPD, PVFD, and Garvin County Sheriff’s office for their actions today making sure every child and staff member made it home safely. We have so much to be grateful for today.”