AG Gentner Drummond, a candidate for governor in 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 20 years. Court filings have revealed new details about Drummond’s flip-flopping on the issue of freeing Glossip, raising questions about his true intentions and priorities.
Glossip, who was convicted of murder in 1997, has been fighting for his release for decades. Despite a lack of physical evidence linking him to the crime, he was sentenced to death based solely on the testimony of the actual killer, who received a reduced sentence in exchange for his testimony. Glossip’s case has gained national attention and support from celebrities, activists, and even some politicians.
One of those politicians was AG Gentner Drummond, who initially expressed support for Glossip’s release. In 2019, Drummond’s office filed a motion to stay Glossip’s execution, citing concerns about the fairness of his trial. However, just a few months later, Drummond abruptly changed course and withdrew the motion, paving the way for Glossip’s execution to proceed.
The sudden reversal left many scratching their heads, especially Glossip’s lawyer, Don Knight. In a recent court filing, Knight revealed that Drummond had told him that the timing of Glossip’s release hinged “on his own political calculus.” This statement has raised serious concerns about Drummond’s true motivations and priorities as a public servant.
It is no secret that the death penalty is a highly contentious issue in Oklahoma, with many politicians using it as a way to gain support from their constituents. However, Drummond’s apparent willingness to sacrifice an innocent man’s life for his own political gain is deeply troubling and goes against the very principles of justice and fairness that he is supposed to uphold.
Furthermore, Drummond’s flip-flopping on the issue of Glossip’s release has also called into question his integrity and credibility as a candidate for governor. How can the people of Oklahoma trust someone who is willing to change their stance on such a crucial matter based on political calculations rather than the pursuit of justice?
In response to the recent revelations, Drummond’s campaign has released a statement claiming that he has always been committed to ensuring a fair and just legal system. However, Glossip’s case paints a different picture. It is evident that Drummond’s actions were not in line with his supposed commitment to justice, and his statement now seems like nothing more than an attempt to save face.
The fact that Drummond’s office was willing to use the death penalty as a political tool is deeply disturbing and raises concerns about the fairness of other cases under his watch. As a candidate for governor, Drummond should be held to a higher standard, and his handling of the Glossip case has shown that he is not fit for the job.
In conclusion, the recent court filings have shed light on AG Gentner Drummond’s true character and priorities. His flip-flopping on the issue of Richard Glossip’s release and his admission that it was based on his own political calculus is deeply concerning and goes against the principles of justice and fairness. As the people of Oklahoma head to the polls to elect their next governor, they must carefully consider the actions and motivations of each candidate, and make an informed decision that will truly serve the best interests of the state.
