Oklahoma Democrat Censured for Harboring Fugitive in State Capitol Office

An Oklahoma state lawmaker who identifies as non-binary, was censured by the state House of Representatives for allegedly impeding a law enforcement investigation after harboring a fugitive wanted for assaulting a fellow House member and a state trooper last week.

Rep. Mauree Turner, D-Oklahoma City was accused of allowing a fugitive wanted for questioning regarding an assault to hide in their office on Feb. 28, and as the person hid in the office, Turner rejected requests from law enforcement officials to access the fugitive.

The incident happened after the House passed a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors. Shortly after the bill passed, the suspected fugitive allegedly assaulted both a House member and an Oklahoma Highway Patrol officer in the State Capitol building.

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted 81-19 to censure Turner.

House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, issued a statement, saying Turner “knowingly and willfully, impeded a law enforcement investigation, harboring a fugitive and repeatedly lying to officers” while using their official office and position to “thwart attempts” by law enforcement officials to contact the suspect.