BREAKING NEWS: A suspect has been charged with multiple felonies in a brazen attack on an Oklahoma City television station that has captured national attention. Anthony Tyler Mitchell, aged 39, faces two felony charges and a misdemeanor related to the vandalism of News 9’s weather radar and satellite transmission equipment.
The charges were filed on July 17, 2023, in Oklahoma County District Court, following an incident that occurred on July 6 and 7. Mitchell remains in jail as authorities investigate this alarming case, which has raised concerns about the safety and security of critical infrastructure.
Police reports indicate that Mitchell has a troubling history of property damage, as detailed in a court affidavit. The attack was claimed by a group called Veterans on Patrol, whose founder, Michael Lewis Arthur Meyer, described the targeted weather radars as “weather weapons” used by the military. Meyer, who has not been charged in the vandalism, insists that their actions are justified and beneficial to the public.
According to law enforcement, Mitchell is charged with damaging equipment in a critical infrastructure facility, specifically for severing satellite transmission lines essential for receiving CBS programming and emergency alerts. This serious offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
In addition to the first felony, he faces another felony charge for malicious injury or destruction of property. Authorities allege that Mitchell used a hammer to smash an electric meter box and a transfer case from a backup generator, resulting in over $7,000 in damages and causing the weather radar to be offline for more than 11 hours.
Mitchell’s actions were captured on surveillance video from News 9, leading to his identification as the primary suspect. He reportedly climbed a 10-foot metal fence to access the station’s equipment. Furthermore, he has also been charged with a misdemeanor for violating a protective order.
The Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled Veterans on Patrol as an anti-government militia, and Meyer has been criticized as a Christian nationalist promoting vigilante behavior. The implications of this case extend beyond the immediate damage, stirring discussions about the intersection of conspiracy theories, vigilantism, and public safety.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the proceedings in Oklahoma County District Court, where the future of Mitchell hangs in the balance. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by extremist ideologies in our communities.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as officials continue to investigate the broader implications of this attack on public infrastructure.
