TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said Wednesday his office has declined to file charges against protestors who painted “Black Lives Matter” in yellow paint.

The Tulsa County District Attorney’s office was asked to prosecute those who painted “Black Lives Matter” on Greenwood Avenue as well as the City Hall location.

Three people were arrested shortly after a group marched to Tulsa City Hall on Oct. 10 and painted ‘BLM’ on Second Street in downtown Tulsa. The district attorney’s office said those who were arrested in the City Hall incident is still under investigation.

“Oftentimes citizens encounter circumstances in which their property is injured, damaged or defaced by another,” District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said in a statement. “Not every occurrence necessitates the filing of state criminal charges. There are many other remedies available to address grievances, including civil actions for the recovery of damages. In addition, the municipal code for the City of Tulsa has an ordinance which clearly prohibits and criminalizes the very conduct which is complained of in these matters.”

Kunzweiler said they are referring the case back to the Tulsa city attorney’s office.

“I am confident that the attorneys with the City of Tulsa have not only the experience but also the resources to address these matters in a manner which best serves the interests of the City of Tulsa,” said Kunzweiler. “On a daily basis my office is focusing its limited resources on combatting violent crimes like murder, rape, robbery, domestic violence, and habitual offender cases. We will continue to review cases submitted to us, and we will make charging decisions consistent with our authority and within the bounds of the law and the facts.”

Cox Media Group