Police Release Security Images Of OKC Graffiti Suspect

OKLAHOMA CITY - Politicians from across the aisle continued to speak out today regarding graffiti incidents yesterday at the offices of the Chickasaw Nation and the Oklahoma Democratic Party.

On Thursday House Minority Leader Emily Virgin (D-Norman) said, “This incident is horrific and too common across the country. These symbols are hurtful and reminiscent of a dangerous and scary time in our world’s history. I look forward to the day we all work to build each other up rather than tear each other down. Until that day, I will continue to condemn these hateful and ignorant acts.”

Today state Rep. Jason Lowe (D-OKC) said, “It is horrible that in 2019 we are still dealing with the issue of bigotry. These actions of hate were directed at the Black, Native American, Jewish & LGBTQ communities, but they affect all of us. These actions cause our community unnecessary pain and suffering, and they hurt our state’s reputation.”

Lowe added, “I stand with the thousands of Oklahomans that have spoken out against this racist incident, and I hope we can move forward looking for ways to be more inclusive and accepting of people’s differences.”

Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, released a statement late Friday echoing those thoughts, “This terrible display of hate, racism and destruction of property at the Oklahoma Democratic Party headquarters is incredibly disturbing.”

“I have several family members, many friends and hundreds of constituents who are Democrats, and they are great people who love our country and state. Even though we often differ on issues, I am always happy to discuss those differences with respect and civility. I am saddened that we as a people often allow differing opinions to cause such anger and rage within ourselves,” Fetgatter added. “We must learn how to disagree before this type of egregious display of anger turns into something more violent toward people.”

Speaking to local media after the graffiti had been discovered Pam Pollard, chair of Oklahoma’s state Republican Party, said she wanted to be clear that the GOP repudiated the vandalism. “I want the Oklahomans to know, and I want the world to know, we stand against this," Pollard said. "This has got to stop. This is not what our country is about. It should never happen again.”

Yesterday, Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby issued a statement saying, “It is very disheartening to see our building defaced by this type of hateful message which is so out of place for Oklahoma. We believe it is important to move past this isolated incident and focus our attention on the important work we do.”

Mayor David Holt took to Twitter to express his outrage at the incident and to underline the city’s resolve. “One bigot with a spray paint can or even a group of bigots do not speak for the hundreds of thousands in this city who stand strongly together against hate & bigotry. Let’s love each other just a little bit more today, OKC. #1OKC.”

By midmorning on Thursday a group of volunteers were hard at work scrubbing the sprayed paint off the sidewalk. Posting a video of the community’s response the Rev. T. Sheri Dickerson, director of Oklahoma Black Lives Matter, said it was vital that residents and observers across the country saw firsthand the effects hateful words can have.

“It’s important that we be aware, informed and part of the process in continuing to help dismantle the hate that spews in Oklahoma," Dickerson said. "White supremacy and white nationalism is, again, surging.”

On Thursday the Oklahoma City Police Department issued a plea via social media for help identifying a woman seen leaving the scene of the Lincoln Blvd. incident. “Any info can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers 405-235-7300 or through an online tip at www.okccrimetips.com,” ran the announcement on the OKCPD’s Facebook page, @okcpd.