OKLAHOMA CITY –
The Association of Oklahoma General Contractors (AOGC) said investigations are underway into social media threats made against people working on turnpike projects in Oklahoma.
Bobby Stem, the executive director of the construction advocacy group, claimed the threats directed at Oklahoma Turnpike Authority employees and staff – which include alleged death and bomb threats – primarily came from turnpike protesters with Pike Off OTA. The non-profit organization was formed to push back against proposed ACCESS Oklahoma turnpike expansions, particularly the proposed East-West Connector in Norman.
“For years, Pike Off OTA has fostered a climate of violence, hate and sabotage,” Stem said. “We have the right to petition the courts, and we have the right to engage with our legislators, but we do not have the right to threaten, to injure or kill other people, and that is exactly what Pike Off OTA and other turnpike protesters have been doing for years.”
At a Tuesday press conference held after OTA’s board meeting, Stem stood in the middle of several poster boards printed with several examples of the alleged social media threats he referenced, including:
- “I would have marched right out there with a firearm”
- “Many of those people may be innocent, but we’re coming for those that aren’t. Your days are numbered”
- “Bring Guns”
- “Never gonna happen unless they shoot first”
This is unacceptable. This is wrong, and it’s illegal, and it’s time for someone to call out these domestic terrorists.
“The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, its government-appointed board, and the men and women that work within it deserve to be able to do their work without fear of injury or death,” Stem said.
In addition to the alleged death and bomb threats, Stem claimed Pike Off OTA also directed members to apply for OTA jobs “so they can sabotage the government from within.”
“We have dozens of postcards that have been sent to turnpike employees’ homes that have threatening and rude messages that they’ve sent to their families. They’ve gone out and actually taken their message to their homes, scaring families as well,” Stem added.
Stem said the Oklahoma Highway Patrol has opened 19 investigations into such death and bomb threats.
“I understand this progress through Norman is difficult for some, but we must keep our focus on building the safest, most reliable transportation system we can,” Stem stated. “Our population growth and increased truck traffic coming from Texas begs the need for additional routes for those of us who live and work here.”
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AOGC Calls Out State Lawmakers
Stem also called out lawmakers who work with anti-turnpike groups like Pike Off OTA, specifically naming Rep. Jim Shaw (R-Chandler), Rep. Danny Sterling (R-Tecumseh) and Sen. Mary Boren (D-Norman). The lawmakers have previously filed resolutions or bills to create more transparency and accountability within OTA.
“This has to stop, and to those legislators that conspire with these terrorists, my mother would say, ‘You are who you hang out with,’” Stem added.
Rep. Shaw released the following statement regarding the threats:
“Threats or harassment directed at any public employee or their family are wrong, and I unequivocally condemn such actions.
However, we must not conflate unlawful behavior with the constitutional rights of thousands of Oklahomans who are peacefully exercising their First Amendment freedoms to speak and petition their government. This ongoing debate is about everyday citizens who believe their property rights and communities are being sidelined in these discussions.
I will always stand with law-abiding Oklahomans demanding transparency, fiscal responsibility and respect for private property.”
Rep. Sterling also issued the following statement:
“I will always stand for the First Amendment rights of every individual, but there is no excuse for threatening someone’s life. With that, I have been in communication with Oklahomans for Responsible Transportation, AKA “Pike Off” and they made it very clear that they are in no way affiliated with the group that made threats against OTA.
The group that threatened OTA employees acted upon their own volition and are not reflective of the members who make up Oklahomans for Responsible Transportation. Emotions may run high, but threats, violence and intimidation are never acceptable, and they are never the answer.
Oklahomans for Responsible Transportation has assured me that they have had multiple conversations with the OTA in the past and described those discussions as very engaging and respectful.”
Oklahoma State Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, who represents a portion of the area where ACCESS Oklahoma is proposed to be built, also released the following statement:
“When folks in my district know their constitutional rights are being violated, I’m not ashamed to help them stand up for the justice they deserve.
Bobby’s press packet left out what triggered the conversation: landowners saw OTA contractors stepping onto private property without legal permission, and that naturally led folks to ask honest questions about their rights — including Oklahoma’s stand‑your‑ground laws.
Bobby’s packet also didn’t mention that moderators of the Facebook page regularly take down comments that cross the line into threatening illegal violence.
I’m inviting OTA board members to hear the concerns of landowners and work with legislators to ensure we are accountable to Oklahoma landowners.”
