Oklahoma
Oklahoma leaders condemn political violence after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed in Utah
Right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk shot
Turning Point USA Director Charlie Kirk was shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, 2025.
Scripps News
Oklahoma lawmakers, state officials and university organizations are condemning political violence after conservative influencer Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Sept. 10.
The 31-year-old’s death was confirmed by President Donald Trump on Truth Social after Kirk was shot at the university. The president ordered all U.S. flags in the country to be lowered to half-mast until Sunday evening.
Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt shared a photo of himself and Kirk on social media, saying, “The world will be a darker place without him here.”
Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond, who’s running for the Republican bid for governor, said he’s devastated for Kirk’s family and prays for their comfort.
“Politically motivated violence has become a deadly epidemic in this country,” Drummond added. “There is never justification to extinguish a life over political disagreements.”
U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, Oklahoma’s Republican junior senator, said Kirk was a “true friend, a fearless patriot and a loving husband and father.”
Kirk spoke at the Oklahoma State University’s campus in April during his “The American Comeback” tour, which hosted free events across the nation.
In a statement before Kirk was confirmed to have died, the Oklahoma Federation of College Republicans said the organization has immediately taken measures to enhance the security of its events across the state.
“The incident serves as a stark reminder of the divisive and often hostile environment in which we operate,” the organization said. “We must come together as a community to end the culture of death and hatred that has plagued our nation.”
Former Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, a Republican gubernatorial candidate from Atoka, said Kirk was “a steadfast conservative voice and tireless advocate for American values.”
“He had an incredible impact on the rising generation of voters, inspiring young Americans to stand strong for faith, family, freedom, and the principles that make our nation great,” McCall, who’s running for governor, said on social media. “Our prayers are with his family, friends, and all who were impacted by his service. We will honor his legacy by continuing the fight for the values we hold dear.”
Oklahoma Congressman Josh Brecheen, a Republican, said he prays “hearts in our nation would be stirred to repentance over hatred towards others.”
Congressman Kevin Hern, who also represents Oklahoma in the U.S. House, said on social media Kirk had “played an important role in recruiting young voters to the conservative movement.”
“Political violence is meant to silence the voice and will of the people,” said Hern, a Republican. “Rest assured, anyone who has heard of Charlie Kirk knows that the movement he inspired will never let the evil actions of a coward stop the advancement of civility, liberty and patriotism that he helped ignite.”
Oklahoma House Minority Leader and Democratic candidate for governor Cyndi Munson said she prays for Kirk’s family and the U.S., adding, “We must do better.”
“I know for certain one does not have to agree with a person to pray for their life and their family,” Munson, a Democrat from Oklahoma City, said on social media. “I pray for Charlie Kirk’s family and send my deepest condolences. I also pray for our country. We must do better.”
Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell said on social media he met Kirk years ago, adding that he’s praying for Kirk’s wife, children and loved ones.
“He was a strong, consistent voice for what he believed in and inspired a generation of young Americans to get civically involved,” Pinnell said.
A local lawmaker is introducing a bill to prohibit obscene materials in Oklahoma public school libraries.
Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, filed legislation this week, House Bill 2978, that would update state law and prohibit the acquisition of materials that meet Oklahoma’s legal definition of obscenity.
The bill removes references to subjective community standards and relies on established statute, according to Banning.
“This legislation provides a straightforward statewide rule that helps ensure school libraries stay within the definition of education,” Banning said. “According to Black’s Law Dictionary, education is defined as providing proper moral, intellectual and physical instruction.”
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The Mississippi State Bulldogs (9-5, 1-0 SEC) will host Xzayvier Brown and the Oklahoma Sooners (11-3, 1-0 SEC) at Humphrey Coliseum on Wednesday, Jan. 7. The game tips at 7 p.m. ET.
In the article below, we’ll give you all the info you need to watch this matchup on TV.
As college hoops matchups continue, prepare for the contest with everything you need to know about Wednesday’s game.
Mississippi State vs. Oklahoma: How to watch on TV or live stream
- Game day: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
- Game time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Starkville, Mississippi
- Arena: Humphrey Coliseum
- TV Channel: SEC Network
- Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State stats and trends
- On offense, Oklahoma is averaging 87.3 points per game (29th-ranked in college basketball). It is surrendering 72.2 points per contest at the other end (153rd-ranked).
- The Sooners are averaging 34.8 boards per game (99th-ranked in college basketball) this year, while allowing 29.1 rebounds per contest (85th-ranked).
- Oklahoma is delivering 16.7 assists per game, which ranks them 67th in college basketball in 2025-26.
- The Sooners are forcing 11.1 turnovers per game this year (240th-ranked in college basketball), but they’ve averaged only 8.9 turnovers per game (eighth-best).
- Oklahoma is draining 10.5 threes per game (28th-ranked in college basketball). It has a 35.6% shooting percentage (94th-ranked) from three-point land.
- The Sooners rank 283rd in college basketball with 8.6 treys allowed per game this year. Meanwhile, they rank 317th with a 36.1% shooting percentage allowed from three-point land.
- In terms of shot breakdown, Oklahoma has taken 53.1% two-pointers (accounting for 65.7% of the team’s baskets) and 46.9% three-pointers (34.3%).
Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State Odds and Spread
- Spread Favorite: Sooners (-1.5)
- Moneyline: Oklahoma (-116), Mississippi State (-104)
- Total: 159.5 points
NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Wednesday at 3:47 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.
OKLA. — Oklahomans who need help paying their heating bills can now apply for winter energy assistance through Oklahoma Human Services.
State officials announced Tuesday that online applications are open for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The federally funded program helps qualifying households cover the cost of their primary heating source during the winter months.
Applications can be submitted online at OKDHSlive.org.
LIHEAP is offered twice each year — once during the winter for heating costs and again in the summer to help with cooling expenses.
Oklahoma Human Services also operates the Energy Crisis Assistance Program, which opens in the spring, along with year-round help for life-threatening energy emergencies.
Some households already receiving benefits through Oklahoma Human Services may be automatically approved for winter assistance and do not need to apply.
Those households have already been notified. Others who receive state assistance but are not pre-approved are encouraged to apply online.
Eligible households may receive one LIHEAP payment per year for winter heating, which is applied directly to their main energy source.
A household is defined as anyone sharing the same utility meter or energy supply.
Native American households may apply through Oklahoma Human Services or their tribal nation, but not both for the same program during the same federal fiscal year.
Income limits vary by household size. For example, a single-person household may earn up to $1,696 per month, while a family of four may earn up to $3,483 per month.
Larger households have higher income thresholds.
Applicants will need their most recent heating bill, a photo ID, Social Security number and proof of income.
Officials stress that utility information must be entered exactly as it appears on the bill.
Oklahoma Human Services expects high demand during the enrollment period and encourages applicants to apply online for faster processing.
Households with shutoff notices are not given priority and are urged to continue making payments or work with their utility providers to avoid service interruptions.
Funding for the winter heating program is limited, and applications will close once funds are exhausted.
The state has also announced tentative enrollment dates for other energy assistance programs in 2026:
- Energy Crisis Assistance Program: April 14
- Summer Cooling Assistance: July 14
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