AG Gentner Drummond, a candidate for governor of Oklahoma, has recently come under fire for his handling of the case of Richard Glossip, a death row inmate who has maintained his innocence for over two decades. Court filings have revealed new details about Drummond’s flip-flopping on the issue of freeing Glossip, raising questions about his true motives and priorities.
Glossip, who was convicted of murder in 1997, has been fighting for his release for years. Despite a lack of physical evidence linking him to the crime, he was sentenced to death based on the testimony of a co-defendant who received a reduced sentence in exchange for his testimony. Glossip’s case has garnered national attention and support from activists, celebrities, and even a former Oklahoma attorney general.
In 2015, then-Attorney General Scott Pruitt was set to execute Glossip, but his execution was stayed at the last minute due to concerns about the lethal injection protocol. Pruitt’s successor, Mike Hunter, also attempted to execute Glossip in 2019, but was once again thwarted by legal challenges. However, it was during Hunter’s tenure that the case took a surprising turn.
According to court filings, Hunter had a conversation with Glossip’s lawyer, Don Knight, in which he revealed that the timing of Glossip’s release would depend on “his own political calculus.” This statement raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about Hunter’s true intentions. Was he more concerned with his political career than justice for an innocent man?
The timing of this conversation is significant. Hunter’s office had just received a letter from the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, which stated that it would not consider any further appeals from Glossip. This meant that the only way for Glossip to be released was through a commutation of his sentence by the governor. And with Hunter’s statement, it seemed as though he was admitting that he had the power to influence the governor’s decision.
This revelation has caused outrage among Glossip’s supporters, who see it as a blatant abuse of power and a betrayal of the justice system. The fact that Hunter was willing to use Glossip’s life as a bargaining chip for his own political gain is deeply troubling. It raises serious questions about the integrity of the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office and its commitment to upholding justice.
In response to the backlash, Hunter has denied any wrongdoing and has stated that his comments were taken out of context. He claims that he was simply stating the reality of the situation and that he had no intention of manipulating the governor’s decision. However, his explanation has done little to assuage the concerns of those who believe that Glossip’s case has been mishandled from the beginning.
This latest development in the Glossip case has shed light on the political games that are being played at the expense of an innocent man’s life. It has also called into question the integrity and ethics of those in positions of power. As a candidate for governor, AG Gentner Drummond should be held accountable for his actions and statements regarding this case.
Drummond, who has been vocal about his support for the death penalty, has yet to comment on the situation. However, his silence speaks volumes. As a candidate for the highest office in the state, he should be transparent and accountable to the people of Oklahoma. Glossip’s case is not just about one man’s innocence, it is about the integrity of our justice system and the values that we hold as a society.
It is time for Drummond to take a stand and show where he truly stands on this issue. Does he believe in justice and fairness, or is he willing to play politics with people’s lives? The people of Oklahoma deserve a leader who will prioritize justice over personal gain. The fact that Drummond has remained silent on this matter is concerning and raises doubts about his ability to lead with integrity and compassion.
In the end, the fate of Richard Glossip rests in the hands of the governor. But the actions and statements of those in positions of power, such as the attorney general, can have a significant impact on the outcome. It is time for AG Gentner Drummond to do the right thing and speak out against the manipulation and politicization of this case. The people of Oklahoma are watching and they deserve a leader who will stand up for justice and the values that we hold dear.
