UPDATE: A suspect has been charged with multiple felonies following a shocking attack on the weather radar and satellite transmission equipment at News 9, an Oklahoma City television station. Anthony Tyler Mitchell, aged 39, faces two felony counts and a misdemeanor charge after the incident that occurred on July 6-7, 2023. He is currently in jail, with his bond set at $100,000.
The assault, which attracted national media attention, involved a group called Veterans on Patrol taking responsibility for targeting the radar systems. Founder Michael Lewis Arthur Meyer claimed these weather radars were “weather weapons” used by the military, justifying the vandalism as necessary. In an interview, Meyer stated, “Eliminating directed energy weapons that are embedded in our infrastructure is not going to harm a single American.”
Mitchell has been charged with damaging equipment in a critical infrastructure facility after allegedly cutting satellite transmission lines essential for receiving programming from CBS and national emergency messages. The maximum penalty for this felony is 10 years in prison and a substantial fine of $100,000.
Additionally, Mitchell is accused of using a hammer to destroy an electric meter box and a transfer case from a backup generator, which resulted in the weather radar being offline for over 11 hours. The engineering director at News 9 estimates the total damage and repair costs exceeded $7,000.
Authorities report that Mitchell climbed a 10-foot metal fence to access the equipment area, where he cut the power and transmission lines. Surveillance footage from News 9 helped police identify him as the primary suspect. The charges were officially filed by Attorney General Gentner Drummond, though court records do not show any legal representation for Mitchell at this time.
Mitchell is also facing a misdemeanor charge for violating a protective order, adding to the severity of his legal troubles. The investigation remains ongoing as more details about the suspect’s motives and connections to the Veterans on Patrol group emerge.
This incident raises serious concerns about public safety and the implications of targeting critical infrastructure. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the community remains on alert, questioning the motivations behind such destructive acts.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
