Investigation Clears Oklahoma Sheriff of Charges Despite Inflammatory Comments

Oklahoma's attorney general, Gentner Drummond, announced that no criminal charges would be filed against Sheriff Kevin Clardy, who was recorded making inflammatory comments about killing journalists and Black people. Drummond stated that there was no evidence of a criminal act and no legal grounds to remove Clardy from office. However, he suggested that Governor Kevin Stitt endorse another candidate in the next election. Stitt had previously called for the resignations of Clardy and three other county officials involved in the recorded conversation. The small newspaper that published the recording faced backlash, but argued that it was legal as long as the officials were discussing public business. The final decision on Clardy's future lies with the voters of McCurtain County.