Principal who tackled gunman says he didn't initially know he was shot

CBS Mornings Oklahoma principal who tackled gunman says "there was no denying" sound of gunshots .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-cbs-mornings.jpg'); } By Matt Gutman, Matt Gutman Chief Correspondent Award-winning journalist Matt Gutman joined CBS News as chief correspondent in 2026. He is based in Los Angeles. Read Full Bio Matt Gutman, Elissa Candiotti May 11, 2026 / 11:05 AM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google The heroic Oklahoma principal who tackled a gunman that had entered the school said "there was no denying what it was" when gunshots were fired inside the school last month."It was a typical day until the gunshot outside of my office," Pauls Valley High School principal Kirk Moore exclusively told CBS News while reflecting on the terrifying incident.The 60-year-old recalled rushing toward the gunman, later identified as 20-year-old former student Victor Hawkins, and said his actions were "just instinct.""In 37 years, you go through trainings and drills and what you should do. That all goes out the window," Moore said. "I'm glad it worked out the way it did again. I think God's hand was on all of us, but I can't explain why it happened the way it did."Moore said he didn't initially know he was shot during the school shooting."We fell on the padded bench area, and he (Hawkins) just started emptying the gun into the floor," Moore said. "Once I got stood up, I felt the … warmth of the blood and then, I knew I'd been hit."But because of his actions, no other students or faculty were hurt. "I can't explain why I did what I did," he said. "I think many, many people would have done the same thing. They just don't realize it."Outpouring of supportMoore was comforted by familiar faces of first responders who cared for him. "My MediFlight nurse, all of the firemen, police officers – former students. And it's so comforting seeing those faces rather than strangers," he said.The longtime educator has rec...