High school principal crowned prom king after stopping gunman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfsn8_UYJ3Q

An Oklahoma high school principal was crowned prom king just days after he stopped an armed gunman from entering a school shooting, and the moment has gone viral because students treated him like a hometown hero. The principal, Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School, had tackled and disarmed a former student who was allegedly trying to carry out a mass shooting.

What happened

According to reports, Moore confronted the armed suspect as he entered the school on April 7, took him to the ground, and prevented anyone from being hurt. The suspect was later charged, and authorities said he had intended to carry out a mass shooting.

The prom moment

At prom, students surprised Moore by naming him prom king and crowning him on the dance floor as the room erupted in cheers. The DJ even played “Hero” as part of the tribute, underscoring how much the students wanted to honor him.

Why it resonated

The reaction landed because it turned a terrifying school threat into a rare moment of gratitude and community pride. It also showed how deeply students and staff felt Moore’s actions had saved lives.