Tulsa County District Attorney Declines To File Charges Against Protestors

The Tulsa County District Attorney's Office has declined to file state charges against protestors in connection with recent downtown street paintings associated with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Wednesday, October 21st 2020, 10:54 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa County -

The Tulsa County District Attorney's Office has declined to file state charges against protestors in connection with recent downtown street paintings associated with the Black Lives Matter movement.

The street painting was done Oct. 10 in front of Tulsa's City Hall. According to police, two people were arrested on suspicion of obstruction in connection to the painting.

"I told them it was an unlawful assembly; they prevented me from getting to the people doing the painting," said Tulsa Police Lt. Chris Witt.

The Tulsa Police Department had requested charges against protestors associated with the Black Lives Matter movement for "defacing city streets."

Prosecutors said they consulted with Tulsa's City Attorney before making their decision.

“Oftentimes, citizens encounter circumstances in which their property is injured, damaged or defaced by another,” said District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler. “Not every occurrence necessitates the filing of state criminal charges. There are many other remedies available to address grievances, including civil actions for the recovery of damages. In addition, the municipal code for the City of Tulsa has an ordinance which clearly prohibits and criminalizes the very conduct which is complained of in these matters.”

Kunzweiler said he has confidence in the City of Tulsa attorneys.

"I am confident that the attorneys with the City of Tulsa have not only the experience but also the resources to address these matters in a manner which best serves the interests of the City of Tulsa,” said Kunzweiler. “On a daily basis my office is focusing its limited resources on combatting violent crimes like murder, rape, robbery, domestic violence, and habitual offender cases. We will continue to review cases submitted to us, and we will make charging decisions consistent with our authority and within the bounds of the law and the facts.”