State supports both right to protest, local law enforcement
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Sunday urged Oklahomans to protest peacefully about the killing of a black Minnesota man and said the state would support local law enforcement, though he did not specifically raise the possibility of activating the National Guard.
“As Oklahomans let their voices be heard, know that I will protect and support your right for peaceful demonstration. Also know this is different from acting out in a way that is violent and damaging — the State will also support local law enforcement who are respectfully working to stop criminal activity,” Stitt said in a statement.
Stitt's comments came the morning after Oklahoma City police fired tear gas and rubber bullets into a crowd of hundreds of people who spent more than three hours protesting outside a fortified police headquarters downtown.
The people were protesting the killing last week of George Floyd, an African American, while being arrested by Minneapolis police officers, and a history of such incidents nationwide. Floyd's killing has prompted demonstrations around the country.
Another Oklahoma Cit y protest was held Sunday afternoon. The city's chapter of Black Lives Matter organized the Sunday protest; it was not clear Sunday who organized the demonstration that began
Saturday evening at NW 23rd and Classen and moved to the police headquarters.
Police reported 27 arrests linked to Saturday's protest.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said on Twitter during the demonstrations Saturday that he and the city council did not have the authority to “direct city staff.”
“I have confidence in our City Manager & Police Chief as they address local protests this weekend,” the mayor tweeted. “As I said, I am closely monitoring. I'm sure the other elected officials are as well.”
Ward 6 Councilwoman JoBeth Hammon went to the scene at police headquarters and tweeted, “Everyone around me was standing peacefully & chanting, helping each other. Yes, I saw the pics of damage on Classen & I can only imagine the rage that drove someone to do that. That frustrates me but what frustrates me more is the conditions (people) live in that create that anguish.”
Holt, Hammon and Ward 7 Council woman Nikki Nice attended t he Sunday demonstration.
”We're all just hopeful for peace and an opportunity to confront important challenges in our city and our nation," the mayor said.
U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn, D-Oklahoma City, on Sunday criticized those that would “violently hijack pain” of people protesting the killing of Floyd.
“Violence against protesters, journalists, police and small business owners is wrong,” Horn said.
“It is not brave, and it hurts a movement for justice. We must see the humanity in each other. To address systemic racism that plagues our institutions, we must find the strength to come together.”
Stitt said Sunday he was thankful that the Minneapolis police officer accused of suffocating Floyd "is being held accountable for the senseless death of George Floyd."
The governor urged residents to "demonstrate the Oklahoma Standard by listening to those who are hurting, by uniting to see change that delivers a better future for all, and by being respectful of each other, our police and our first responders.”