Students at an Oklahoma high school crowned their principal prom king weeks after he was shot while tackling an armed intruder and stopping what authorities say could have been a mass shooting.
Kirk Moore, principal of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma, was honored by students during prom on Friday, April 17, just days after he intervened in a shooting at the school.
Students voted to name Moore prom king — a break from tradition at the school, which typically does not crown a king or queen — in recognition of his actions during the April 7 incident. (Watch video below).
“Ladies and gentlemen, our king,” the DJ declared as Moore was introduced at prom.
Video from the event shows Moore, smiling, walking through a crowd of cheering students before receiving his crown.
“It was ecstatic in there. I’m so glad they did it that way,” one student told NBC News.
Authorities say Moore was injured when he confronted a former student who entered the school armed with two semi-automatic pistols.
The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Victor Lee Hawkins, allegedly opened fire inside the school before Moore rushed from his office and tackled him, according to investigators.
Hawkins allegedly fired at Moore, striking him in the leg, before Moore subdued him with help from another staff member until police arrived. No students were injured in the incident.
Investigators say Hawkins brought the weapons to the school with the intent to carry out a shooting, according to court documents.
Moore, who has worked in the district for more than 35 years, has been widely praised for his actions.
“There’s not a doubt in my mind that he saved kids’ lives,” Pauls Valley Police Chief Don May told NBC News.
Moore later said he was grateful for the support he received following the incident and is recovering from his injury.
The suspect remains in custody and faces multiple charges, including shooting with intent to kill.
Watch the heartwarming moment below:
