A high school principal in Oklahoma, who was shot in the leg while disarming a school shooter, has been crowned prom king by his students. Kirk Moore, principal of Pauls Valley High School, was honoured at the school's prom on Friday night, just weeks after his heroic actions.
A video from the event shows Moore walking through the crowd, high-fiving cheering students, as the DJ declared him 'our king' and played the Nickelback song 'Hero'. The gesture was a tribute to Moore's bravery on April 7, when he tackled a former student who had opened fire in the school lobby.
Surveillance footage released by the school district shows Moore rushing at the gunman, Victor Lee Hawkins, 20, and taking him to the ground. Another teacher is seen picking up the weapon and removing it. Moore sustained a gunshot wound to his leg during the incident.
Hawkins, a former student, was arrested and charged with unlawfully carrying a firearm, shooting with intent to kill, and pointing a firearm. He told investigators he planned to carry out a mass shooting 'like the Columbine shooters did', intending to kill students, Moore, and then himself. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held on $1 million bond.
Hunter McKee, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, praised the staff's quick actions, stating they 'saved lives today'. Moore's courage has been widely lauded, culminating in the heartwarming prom king crowning.
