Fallin Comments After Charges Filed In Moore Workplace Beheading

Gov. Mary Fallin released a statement on Tuesday after Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn filed charges against the suspect in the attack at Vaughan Foods in Moore.

Tuesday, September 30th 2014, 2:02 pm

By: News 9


Gov. Mary Fallin released a statement on Tuesday after Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn filed charges against the suspect in the attack at Vaughan Foods in Moore.

Mashburn held a news conference at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, and announced that 30-year-old Alton Nolen has been charged with first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault and battery with a deadly weapon. The DA indicated he would seek the death penalty.

9/20/2014 Related Story: Charges Filed Against Suspect In Moore Workplace Beheading

According to Moore police, last Thursday, Nolen, who had been suspended from Vaughan Foods earlier in the day, beheaded 54-year-old Colleen Hufford and stabbed 43-year-old Traci Johnson in the front office area. Off-duty reserve deputy Mark Vaughan, who is also the COO of the business, fired shots at Nolen and ended the attack.

After the charges were filed, Fallin released the following statement:

“The attack at Vaughan Foods was an act of cowardice, brutality and barbarism. The perpetrator of that attack will be brought to justice and face the full weight of the law. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the victims of this terrible crime as well as their families.

“Since the attack was reported, I have been communicating with law enforcement as well as Oklahoma's Department of Homeland Security to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted into the motives of the attacker. That investigation is still ongoing, and it is unclear at this time whether the crime was an act of terrorism, workplace violence, or a gruesome combination of both.

“I have asked the Oklahoma Department of Homeland Security to work with the FBI to quickly get the facts and share them with the people of Oklahoma. In the meantime, I'm asking Oklahomans to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

“The story we don't want to forget is that of a local hero, Mark Vaughn, a trained reserve deputy whose response saved at least one life and possibly saved others.

“He represents the true Oklahoma, where residents rally to help others - such as after last year's deadly tornadoes in Moore. Mark's actions also serve as a reminder that the rights outlined in the Second Amendment, which protect the ability of law-abiding citizens to carry weapons, save lives.

“We are still Oklahoma strong. We will get through this gruesome, horrible act. I've asked law enforcement to keep me informed so that I can relay factual information to Oklahomans.”

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