Oklahoma official caught on tape talking about lynching Black people and killing reporters resigns

Wed, 04/19/2023 - 13:57

Protesters holding signs about racism outside the McCurtain County commissioners meeting. — McCurtain County residents were outraged by comments made by local officials about killing Black people and journalists that were heard on a recording.
(Lori Dunn/The Texarkana Gazette via AP)

Oklahoma's McCurtain County Commissioner Mark Jennings resigned Wednesday.
Jennings was caught on tape talking about lynching Black people and killing reporters.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation launched a probe of the matter Wednesday at the governor's request.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A county commissioner in far southeast Oklahoma who was apparently caught on tape discussing killing reporters and lynching Black people has resigned from office, Gov. Kevin Stitt's office confirmed Wednesday.