• OSBI investigates threats against lawmakers

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has opened three cases to investigate reported threats made against state lawmakers during the teacher strike and rally that began Monday.

No details about the alleged threats were immediately available from the OSBI, but the agency said a fourth case may be opened soon.

During the legislative session, the OSBI assigns a special agent to the Capitol to investigate threats made against public officials.

Thousands of teachers descended upon the Capitol on Monday demanding more education funding.

The rally has remained peaceful, though at times tense in the crowded Capitol building as lawmakers debate whether, and how, to increase funding for public schools.

The Oklahoma Education Association, which organized the strike and Capitol protest, said it unequivocally condemns threats made to lawmakers or anyone else.

“We appreciate the law enforcement officers who have been working at the Capitol this week,” spokeswoman Carrie Coppernoll Jacobs wrote to The Oklahoman. “Tens of thousands of Oklahoma educators, parents, children and community members have taken to the Capitol to peacefully, respectfully and courageously engage in their constitutional right to speak up and advocate for their students.”

On Tuesday, aides in the House were told they could go home early after what a House spokesman described as “unruly” confrontation between a group of people and a legislative assistant.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol, which provides security for the building, said there were no reports of an assault but one House staffer was taken to the hospital for a medical condition.

Legislators and the Department of Public Safety have said outside groups traveled to Oklahoma to take part in the protests, but so far there is little or no evidence shown out-of-state protesters have made any significant effect.

“In the past, some of these groups have been known to show violent behavior during nonviolent rallies. There have been reports of threats made towards members of the Legislature and the governor’s office,” the department said in a news release.

Gov. Mary Fallin told The Oklahoman on Wednesday there is social media evidence that groups like the anti-fascist collective known as Antifa were interested in attending the rally.

State Rep. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow, said in an online video that lawmakers have received death threats.

He could not immediately be reached for comment.