Oklahoma

Oklahoma leaders condemn political violence after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed in Utah

Published

2 months ago

September 10, 2025

Oklahoma leaders condemn political violence after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed in Utah

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.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma will give Alabama offense toughest test yet. What to know about the Sooners

Published

12 hours ago

November 9, 2025

Press Room

Oklahoma will give Alabama offense toughest test yet. What to know about the Sooners

There have been few defenses in the country better than Oklahoma.

The Sooners have allowed only 14.1 points per game this season, which leads the SEC and ranks seventh in the nation. Oklahoma also ranks first in the SEC in fewest yards allowed per game at 264.22. That also ranks seventh nationally.

A season ago, the Sooners held Alabama to three points on the road. Now, with a much different offense and a new offensive coordinator and quarterback, the No. 4 Crimson Tide (8-1, 6-0 SEC) will aim to have much more offensive success against No. 11 Oklahoma on Saturday (2:30 p.m. CT, ABC) at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Here’s what you need to know about the Sooners (7-2, 3-2 SEC).

Oklahoma’s resume so far

The Sooners started the season on a five-game winning streak but have lost two of their last four games.

The first loss of the season occurred against then-unranked Texas, now ranked No. 10. The second loss was two weeks later against No. 6 Ole Miss, who was then ranked eighth.

Oklahoma’s best win this season has been against No. 18 Michigan. The Sooners also went on the road before an open week and beat No. 21 Tennessee.

According to ESPN, the Sooners have the No. 12 strength of record. Their strength of schedule ranks 16th.

The Oklahoma offense

The Sooners have an offense that sits in the bottom half of the conference in points per game, ranked 11th scoring 28.89 points per game.

Only Kentucky, Auburn, LSU, Florida and South Carolina have worse offenses in the SEC.

The Sooners also rank 11th in rushing offense and defense in the conference in yards per game.

Washington State transfer quarterback John Mateer has been the primary quarterback running the offense, but he hasn’t been near as effective since returning from a hand injury.

Before the hand injury, Mateer threw for six touchdowns and rushed for five more over the first four games of the season.

In the four games since, Mateer has thrown for two touchdowns and rushed for one. Those four games since the hand injury have all been against SEC competition whereas the first four included two overmatched, unranked teams.

Isaiah Sategna III has been his top target. The receiver has caught 40 passes for 692 yards and five touchdowns. He ranks fifth in the conference with 76.89 yards per game. Deion Burks has also been a top weapon, catching 42 passes for 435 yards and two scores.

Tory Blaylock has been the top rusher, taking 94 carries for 401 yards and four scores.

The Sooner defense

Oklahoma doesn’t give up many points or yards, but the Sooners also don’t get many takeaways.

They rank 117th in the country in takeaways per game at 0.8. For comparison, Alabama ranks 18th, gaining 1.8 takeaways per game.

Defensive lineman Taylor Wein is one of the SEC’s top players at securing tackles for loss. He averages 1.22 per game. Defensive lineman R Mason Thomas is another, averaging 1.06 per game. They rank tied for fourth and seventh in the conference, respectively.

Thomas is also one of the top pass rushers in the conference. He has tallied 6.5 sacks, which ranks tied for fifth.

As a whole, Oklahoma has been effective at getting to the quarterback. The Sooners have tallied 33 sacks, which ranks fourth in the country behind only UConn (35), Texas A&M (34) and Texas (34).

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Oklahoma

Man arrested after high speed chase through two Oklahoma counties

Published

1 day ago

November 8, 2025

Press Room

Man arrested after high speed chase through two Oklahoma counties

ATOKA COUNTY, Okla. (KXII) – A man was arrested on a number of charges, including a DUI, after a high-speed pursuit through Bryan and Atoka Counties.

Josiah Hemby, 29, was driving north on Highway 69 in Bryan County when a Tushka Police Officer tried to pull him over for speeding. He refused to stop.

A pursuit began that entered into Atoka County. According to Atoka County Sheriff Kody Simpson, speeds eclipsed 100 mph. Hemby almost collided into an officer during the pursuit.

The pursuit finally stopped in front of the Dollar General in Atoka, on Highway 69 near Virginia Avenue.

Hemby was arrested and booked into the Atoka County Jail on a number of charges, including driving under the influence, felony eluding, speeding, reckless driving, and running a roadblock.

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Oklahoma

Memphis hosts Oklahoma City in conference matchup

Published

2 days ago

November 8, 2025

Press Room

Memphis hosts Oklahoma City in conference matchup

Oklahoma City Thunder (9-1, first in the Western Conference) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (4-6, 10th in the Western Conference)

Memphis, Tennessee; Sunday, 6 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Oklahoma City plays Memphis in Western Conference action Sunday.

Memphis went 48-34 overall and 27-24 in Western Conference action a season ago. The Grizzlies shot 47.9% from the field and 36.7% from 3-point range last season.

Oklahoma City went 68-14 overall and 39-13 in Western Conference games during the 2024-25 season. The Thunder averaged 21.9 points off of turnovers, 14.8 second-chance points and 35.1 bench points last season.

INJURIES: Grizzlies: Zach Edey: out (ankle), Scotty Pippen Jr.: out (toe), Brandon Clarke: out (knee), Ty Jerome: out (calf).

Thunder: Aaron Wiggins: day to day (thigh), Luguentz Dort: day to day (shoulder), Nikola Topic: out (groin), Jalen Williams: out (wrist), Kenrich Williams: out (knee), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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