Kirk Moore, the Oklahoma principal who tackled a gunman after the intruder entered his school, spoke about the frightening sequence that day and the response he’s received since. In an exclusive interview with Matt Gutman, Moore described the instant he realized something was wrong: the noise he heard left no doubt it was gunfire.
Moore said the sound was unmistakable and that he acted to protect students and staff, tackling the assailant to stop further harm. He described the moment as terrifying and immediate — a decision made in seconds to end the threat.
In the days after the incident, Moore said he’s been overwhelmed by support from the school community, parents and colleagues. He told Gutman that while the events remain vivid, the encouragement and care he’s received have helped him and others begin to process what happened.
Moore’s account offers a first-hand look at the chaos and the quick actions by educators that helped secure the school. His conversation with Gutman focuses on the moment of confrontation and the support that followed.