By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore was shot in the leg while tackling a gunman, identified as former student Victor Lee Hawkins, who intended to carry out a school shooting. Hawkins, who admitted to taking his father’s firearms without permission, reportedly said he disliked Moore and wanted to emulate the Columbine High School shooters. Moore’s swift action, aided by an assistant principal, disarmed Hawkins and prevented further harm, with the police chief crediting Moore with saving lives. Moore expressed gratitude for the support he has received and stated his recovery is going well.
Read the original article here
In Oklahoma, a high school principal named Kirk Moore has been hailed as a hero after he tackled a gunman, an act that, according to the police chief, saved the lives of students. During this heroic encounter, Moore sustained a gunshot wound to his leg. This incident brings to the forefront a disturbing reality: educators are increasingly finding themselves in situations where they need to act as protectors against armed assailants.
Moore himself attributed his swift and decisive action to the training he and other educators receive. He acknowledged that, like many educators across the nation, they prepare for such dire events through rigorous training and careful threat assessments. He expressed gratitude that his instincts, training, and what he believes to be divine intervention were present when needed. The fact that educators are receiving this type of training is, unfortunately, becoming normalized in developed countries, which raises serious questions about the state of safety in schools.
The courage displayed by Principal Moore is undeniable. His immediate action to confront the gunman, effectively wrapping him up and preventing further immediate harm, was described as having beautiful form and leaving the shooter with no chance to fire more shots. It’s a testament to his bravery that he put himself in such extreme danger to shield his students. However, it’s also acknowledged that he was incredibly lucky. In such volatile situations, there’s always the terrifying possibility that the shooter could have inflicted multiple wounds or worse, even as Moore was in the process of subduing him.
This incident also highlights a societal reliance on the inherent goodness and protective instincts of educators. It’s observed that many school shooters are young and seemingly unprepared, suggesting that their actions, while devastating, might stem from a lack of competence rather than a master plan. This, in turn, leads to a contemplation of what law enforcement’s role and preparedness truly are, especially when compared to an educator who, without explicit law enforcement training, steps into the breach.
The actions of Principal Moore have rightfully earned him legendary status. The sentiment is that he deserves public recognition, perhaps even a statue in every school, as a symbol of ultimate courage. There’s a hopeful notion that he might use his experience to motivate students, perhaps with a touch of his new reality, humorously suggesting he might use his cane if they misbehave. The use of quotation marks around “saved kids’ lives” seems to be a point of discussion, with many believing it’s a factual description rather than a point of contention.
The incident also reignites conversations about the compensation and value placed on educators. The idea that individuals who are willing to risk their lives for students might be paid less than a living wage is considered an outrage. This hero is seen as a “certified bad mother,” a powerful figure who acted decisively when others, like the much-criticized law enforcement response in Uvalde, failed to do so. The desire to permanently honor Moore is strong, with suggestions ranging from naming highways after him to acknowledging his bravery in stark contrast to the perceived failures of other officials.
The nature of Moore’s training is also examined. While his instinct to tackle the gunman was undoubtedly his own and stemmed from a moral imperative, his broader training likely focused on threat identification and crowd management. There’s no school policy that would direct an educator to become a human shield, yet Moore’s actions speak to a deep-seated sense of duty. The sheer audacity and courage of his actions have led some to remark on the size of his “massive balls,” with a touch of dark humor suggesting that perhaps stainless steel balls deflected the bullet into his leg.
The fact that educators are receiving training to confront gunmen is described as “insane” and a reflection of a societal breakdown. The existence of private companies that profit from teaching militaristic responses to active shooters in environments like schools is also noted with concern, particularly when such training isn’t universally provided to all staff. This raises questions about preparedness and equitable safety measures within educational institutions.
The narrative surrounding the incident also delves into the effectiveness of law enforcement, with one comment starkly stating, “Well our police won’t do it so someone has to step up.” This sentiment is echoed in discussions about the Second Amendment and what its proponents truly care about when faced with such violent realities. The use of quotation marks around the police chief’s statement is clarified as proper journalistic practice when directly quoting a source, distinguishing it from sarcastic usage.
The financial implications for Moore are also a significant concern. There’s a strong sentiment that hospitals bills should be covered, with suggestions of a GoFundMe campaign to assist him. However, there’s also a pessimistic view that insurance companies might deny claims, arguing that he deliberately put himself in harm’s way, a calculated risk. The salary of principals in Oklahoma is mentioned as being around six figures, which is acknowledged as a decent income, but this is contrasted with the lower salaries of teachers, with many leaving the state due to inadequate pay and working conditions. The conversation also touches on the idea of “El Principal,” referencing an 80s movie with a similar theme, albeit with a linguistic correction that in Spanish, “director” is the more accurate term. Ultimately, the overwhelming sentiment is one of admiration and respect for Principal Kirk Moore’s extraordinary bravery and selflessness.