Lawton Councilman George Gill Criticized for Threatening Protest Behavior

The City Council meeting in Lawton on August 26, 2025, featured significant discussions surrounding recent protests and the council's engagement with community concerns. A key point of contention arose from a protest held on June 14 at Shepler Park, where a councilman was accused of threatening behavior towards demonstrators.

During the meeting, a speaker recounted an incident involving Councilman George Gill, who allegedly rode by the protest on a motorcycle, displaying a MAGA hat and shouting at participants. This raised alarms among protesters, who feared for their safety, especially following the cancellation of an army birthday parade due to threats of violence against demonstrators. The speaker criticized Gill for not engaging with the protesters to understand their concerns, suggesting that his actions were disrespectful and threatening.

The speaker also highlighted a personal experience of receiving a citation for participating in what was deemed an illegal assembly, arguing that this infringed on their First Amendment rights. They called for an apology from Gill and the city, asserting that his behavior was unbecoming of a council member.

Another participant, Kaysa from the West Wind Resistance group, expressed frustration over the council's lack of responsiveness to community voices regarding economic and industrial development. She shared her experiences of seeking answers from council members, which often resulted in dismissive remarks rather than constructive dialogue. Kaysa emphasized the need for a more effective platform for citizens to express their concerns and influence local governance.

The meeting underscored ongoing tensions between city officials and community members, highlighting the importance of open communication and accountability in local governance. As discussions continue, the council faces pressure to address these grievances and foster a more inclusive environment for civic engagement.