Oklahoma Officials Caught on Audio Making Threats and Derogatory Remarks

https://www.newsbreak.com/@c/1608581?s=01

Recently, the McCurtain Gazette-News released a full audio recording of four McCurtain County officials, including the sheriff and a district attorney, making threatening and derogatory remarks about reporters and Black residents. The audio recording, which was secretly made by a reporter and his father, also reveals the officials discussing how to spend taxpayer money and engaging in gossip and jokes.

The first excerpts from the audio, which were published by the McCurtain Gazette-News, sparked outrage in the town of Idabel, Oklahoma, and brought unwanted national attention to the county. The full audio release has led to calls for the officials' resignations, with one county commissioner already having resigned.

The audio recording captures the sheriff boasting about physically confronting the local district attorney and threatening to “whoop his ass.” He can also be heard repeatedly making comments about a newspaper reporter, saying he was “gonna bounce his ass.” The officials were also caught discussing lynching Black people and buying an old military tank to drive into the newspaper building in response to their reporting on the county.

The release of the audio recording has shed light on the behavior of these officials and sparked a conversation about accountability for those in positions of power. It has also highlighted the important role of journalists and the need to protect their freedom to report on issues of public interest without fear of retribution.

The McCurtain Gazette-News has filed a lawsuit against the sheriff's office seeking records connected to the death of a local resident. The release of this audio recording adds further weight to the newspaper's investigation and underscores the importance of transparency and access to public records.

In the wake of this scandal, it is important to hold these officials accountable for their actions and to ensure that they do not continue to hold positions of power. It is also important to recognize the bravery of the journalist and his father who made the recording, as they have shed light on important issues and helped to hold those in power accountable for their actions.

Overall, the release of this audio recording serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government and the need to protect the freedom of the press. It is important to continue to push for accountability and transparency at all levels of government, and to support the journalists who work tirelessly to hold those in power accountable.