Hero Principal Crowned Prom King After Tackling Shooter-Video Goes Viral

A high school principal in Oklahoma is being celebrated far beyond his campus after a viral video showed students crowning him prom king days after he intervened in a school shooting, taking down an intruder and saving countless lives.

The moment, shared on TikTok by Jessica Keeler (@jessicamarie817), shows Principal Kirk Moore walking into the prom to cheers, music and applause before being crowned by students who credit him with protecting their lives.

The emotional moment shows the heroic principal just how far his actions have reached, and how grateful the entire school community is for his bravery.

Moore, principal of Pauls Valley High School, was shot in the leg while tackling a former student who had entered the school armed with a handgun.

Authorities said the suspect fired shots inside the building before Moore and another staff member subdued him, preventing further harm. No students were injured.

The incident occurred on April 7, when the armed individual entered the school and began threatening students.

Deadly Intentions

Surveillance footage later showed Moore charging at the suspect and wrestling him to the ground, disarming him before law enforcement arrived.

Officials have said the suspect, who was reportedly obsessed with the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, intended to carry out a mass shooting.

Days later, students honored Moore in a way that quickly drew national attention.

An Emotional Reaction

Video clips from prom night show him being greeted with high-fives and chants as he entered the venue, with music playing and classmates celebrating his actions.

The crowning was announced over a microphone, with students erupting in applause.

Authorities and officials have credited Moore's actions with preventing a potentially deadly situation. The suspect was later arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including shooting with intent to kill.

Users React

The viral video has caused an emotional reaction online, particularly on TikTok, where Keeler’s video has garnered more than 2.8 million views.

In one comment, a grateful user wrote, "He protected them, and they are able to celebrate their prom, not mourn their friends."

Another added, "Principal Moore is a true American hero, and I love that his students are giving him the love and hype he deserves."

"That's a protector right there, a true educator," a third person chimed in.

The recognition at prom has been seen by many as a reflection of the bond between Moore and his students, as well as a moment of relief following a potentially devastating event.

Moore has previously said he was grateful for the support following the incident, noting that training and preparedness played a role in his response.

Law enforcement officials have echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of quick action in preventing further violence.

The suspect remains in custody and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case is ongoing as investigators continue to examine the events leading up to the shooting.

The story of Moore's actions-and the students' response-continues to spread online, with the prom video turning a local act of bravery into a widely shared and well-deserved moment of recognition.

Newsweek has reached out to Jessicamarie817 for comment via TikTok and Kirk Moore via email. We could not verify the details of the case.

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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 7:30 PM.