Published: July 23, 2008 07:50 pm         

7-24 OKC Watch

Kern stopped from bringing gun to Capitol

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — State troopers stopped state Rep. Sally Kern from entering the state Capitol Wednesday with a firearm, Oklahoma Highway Patrol spokesman Chris West said.

West said this was the second time Kern tried to enter the building with a weapon. The earlier incident occurred in June.

In both cases, she was required to leave with the weapon but she was not arrested and no charges were filed.

Guns and knives are prohibited in the building and those who enter must pass through a security checkpoint, including a metal detector. It is a misdemeanor to bring a weapon in.

Highway Patrol spokesman Chris West said the firearm was found in her personal effects as she entered the Capitol. He said that in early June she was also found to have a firearm as she tried to enter the building.

A sign warns those entering the Capitol that guns and knives are prohibited.

Kern once complained of death threats after an anti-homosexual rant captured on YouTube in which she said the “homosexual agenda is destroying this nation” and is a bigger threat than terrorism.

In 2004, a state employee was booked on a complaint of carrying a concealed firearm into a state facility after a loaded handgun was found in his briefcase as he entered the Capitol.



Program to fight domestic violence expanded

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Attorney General Drew Edmondson says a pilot program to assist victims of domestic violence is being expanded after a 39 percent increase in telephone calls for help.

The increase in calls came in locations where 10 Wal-Mart stores took part in the "End the Silence—End the Violence" program.

Under the program, posters in English and Spanish are placed in restrooms and fitting rooms. Tear-off pads are attached to the posters containing the telephone number of a domestic violence hotline.

The program is to be expanded to all 85 of the chain's discount stores and Supercenters in Oklahoma.

     

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