On Friday, September 25, Kelly Matthews, a special education teacher at Highland Middle School in Hobbs, New Mexico, was shot on school grounds. Following the incident, local political and community leaders expressed their support for Matthews, emphasizing the impact of the event on the community.
The Hobbs Municipal Schools staff directory lists Kelly Matthews as a “SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER” with a general special education K-12 certification. In its public statement, the Hobbs Police Department said officers were investigating the incident and that Highland Middle School and nearby Coronado Elementary had been secured. Other community leaders also spoke of Matthews. “Tonight, we are all going to bed incredibly grateful that our students and teachers from Highland Middle School are safe. We are deeply thankful for the swift response of the Hobbs Police Department, medical personnel, and all of our first responders. Our hearts, however, are very much with Kelly Matthews, and we are praying for a speedy and complete recovery. Our entire community is thinking of Kelly, his family, his colleagues, and everyone at Highland Middle School tonight. We are standing together as a community and praying for comfort and healing in the days ahead,” associate pastor at King’s Gate Church, Jonathan Sena wrote . The identification comes as authorities continue investigating the incident at Highland Middle School. Matthews is a special education teacher at Highland Middle School. The public identification of Matthews as the victim came from community and political figures after the shooting, while the Hobbs Police Department’s statement focused on the active investigation and safety of students and staff. The shooting also disrupted Homecoming-related activities in the community as officials responded to the incident and worked to ensure students and staff were safe.
The shooting occurred at or near Highland Middle School in Hobbs on Friday.
What is known about the shooting suspect?
The Hobbs Police Department said there was no ongoing threat to students or staff at the schools following the incident.
