OKLAHOMA CITY — A retired state trooper who now serves in the statehouse says he occasionally carries his gun to the Capitol after he received threatening phone calls at home.
Oklahoma law prohibits people — even those with valid concealed handgun licenses — from entering state buildings while armed. However, exceptions are in place for active and retired law enforcement officers, like Rep. Mike Christian, a Republican from Oklahoma City.
Christian says he locks his gun up in his office after he arrives. He says he carries his gun with him when he's driving through neighborhoods with high crime rates, and that he doesn't like to leave his gun in his vehicle.
But other legislators who are former law enforcement officers say there's no need to be armed at the Capitol.
Rep. Glen Bud Smithson, a former state trooper, says there are "worlds of security" in the Capitol.
State News
Lawmaker gets OK to bring gun to state Capitol
- State News
-
-
Insurance department apologizes for offensive language in email
The Oklahoma Insurance Department on Thursday apologized for what it described as “an unauthorized draft of an e-mail” that contained “offensive and unacceptable language” while promoting an upcoming tornado summit.
-
Santorum’s Oklahoma visit raises interest among voters
Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum’s rising star in the Republican presidential race may be translating into renewed interest among Oklahoma voters.
-
The great debate over fracking
The nation’s long-term energy future offers no free lunches or gain without pain, two geoscientists said Tuesday in a University of Tulsa debate on the merits of hydraulic fracturing.
-
Oklahoma Senate Republicans release legislative agenda, goals include income tax cut
Senate Republicans released a legislative agenda Tuesday similar to that of Gov. Mary Fallin, but short on details.
-
WPX reports proved reserves grew 9 percent for year
Tulsa-based oil and gas producer WPX Energy Inc. reported Monday that total proved reserves at year’s end grew 9 percent over 2010.
-
Tribal leaders respond to request to end lawsuit
Any realistic hope Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin had leaders of two southeastern Oklahoma Indian tribes would acquiesce to her request to drop a lawsuit over water rights were dashed Monday evening.
-
Oklahoma Legislature: Pair is again filing bills
The only two lawmakers who didn’t introduce any legislation last year have returned to the Capitol this year with plenty of offerings.
-
Lawmakers talk taxes
For the Oklahoma Legislature, the only certainty in 2012 is that tax policy will be the focus for much of the session that starts Monday. -
Family of man who committed suicide in jail files lawsuit
One and a half years after their son died in the Payne County Jail, Ron and Thora duBois have filed a federal lawsuit against county officials and the corporation that provides health care to county jail inmates.
-
Oklahoma DHS director resigns effective Feb. 29
In a tear-filled statement, Oklahoma Department of Human Services Director Howard Hendrick announced Tuesday he would be stepping down from the agency Feb. 29.
- More State News Headlines
-
Insurance department apologizes for offensive language in email
