Oklahoma Democratic Party headquarters vandalized

By Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

In the dark hours of the morning, vandals outside the Oklahoma Democratic Party headquarters left their mark. The vandals painted swastikas as well as racial, antisemitic, homophobic and anti-Democrat slurs.

“Oklahoma County Democratic Party is united in our condemnation of this cowardly act of hatred and bigotry,” said Mark Faulk in a statement to The Gayly. “Whoever did this failed in their goal of fomenting division or fear among us.

“Instead, we will come together in love and redouble our continual fight to end racism and bigotry in Oklahoma. We support ALL of our brothers and sisters regardless of race, lifestyle, religion, or even party affiliation.” Faulk is the Chair of the Oklahoma County Democrats.

Faulk added, "There are cameras inside the [Democratic Party] building but not outside. But the Chickasaw nation office building was also targeted, and the police have a clear photo of a woman suspect from that incident."

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, a Republican, tweeted this message this morning, “This language written on the doors of the @OKDemocrats HQ is abhorrent. It does not reflect who we are as a state.”

The Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City posted released this statement, “The Jewish Federation is saddened to learn of the anti-Semitic and other hateful vandalism found at the Oklahoma Democratic Party headquarters this morning.

“Hateful rhetoric has no place in our community or country. When individuals or groups are targeted because of their immutable characteristics the impact of those words and actions are felt by entire communities. There is no place for hate in Oklahoma City - that is not our Oklahoma Standard.

“We thank the Oklahoma City Police Department for their immediate response to this incident and for their 24/7 efforts to keep our entire community safe. We are hopeful they will bring the perpetrator(s) to justice soon. Please be sure to reach out to OKCPD if you have any information about this incident.”

Oklahoma Democratic Party officials invited the community to join in and clean-up after this recent attack of the building exterior. If you would like to help, visit www.okdemocrats.org, or call party headquarters at (405) 427-3366.

UPDATE, 4:25 p.m. Statement from the The Oklahoma Democratic Party"

"The Oklahoma Democratic Party is devastated by today’s hate crimes targeting the ODP headquarters and the Chickasaw Nation office. Intolerance and bigotry have no place in our communities. We condemn all forms of hate, including hate based on ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, and disability.

"This is a time for communities to work together, strengthen bonds and help fight against these evils. We stand in solidarity with the Chickasaw Nation in denouncing these cowardly acts meant to divide our communities. We thank the law enforcement for their quick response and dedicated community for their assistance in helping the ODP cleanup the premises."

Copyright The Gayly. 3/28/2019 @ 2:40 p.m. CST. Updated at 4:25 p.m. CST.