Kelly Matthews, a special education teacher at Highland Middle School in Hobbs, New Mexico , was identified as the individual shot at the school on Friday, September 25. Local political and community leaders shared messages of support for Matthews following the incident.
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 . 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 Hobbs Municipal Schools staff directory lists Kelly Matthews as a “SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER” with a general special education K-12 certification.
