OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – A person charged with terrorism after the protests in Oklahoma Metropolis final Could selected to plead responsible to arson within the third diploma on Friday morning.
“The entire total case actually was not right. In fact, I’m not a terrorist,” Eric Ruffin stated.
Ruffin was considered one of three males charged by the Oklahoma County District Lawyer with terrorism for the protest in downtown Oklahoma Metropolis on Could 30th, 2023.
Based on court docket paperwork, a live-streamed video confirmed three rioters allegedly breaking the entrance glass of a enterprise earlier than setting it on hearth.
Again then, David Prater instructed Information 4, “Whenever you act like a terrorist, you may be handled like a terrorist.”
On Friday, Ruffin’s terrorism fees have been dropped.
“Mr. Ruffin entered a plea to arson within the third diploma. The state formally went forward and dismissed each terrorism exercise fees. We consider that was the fitting factor to do. These fees for my part shouldn’t have been introduced,” stated Clay Curtis, Ruffin’s lawyer.
Ruffin’s lawyer tells us the arson cost coming from when an Oklahoma County Sheriff’s automobile went up in flames.
However Ruffin says he didn’t begin the hearth.
“Sadly, they needed to principally put the rap on any person. As a consequence of me not figuring out events that have been doing injury and stuff like that, all the things was principally placed on me,” Ruffin stated.
“I’m not completely happy. These fees have actually ruined my life. Being labeled as a terrorist.”
Ruffin tells KFOR he’s misplaced his job.
His lawyer says whereas he has a troublesome highway forward, that is the greatest consequence.
“We took an applicable quantity of accountability as we speak. We didn’t burn something. We didn’t destroy something. However we did type of play a job of encouragement. And we remorse that,” Curtis stated. “Hopefully additionally that state can be taught from among the errors they made that night time.”
When requested whether or not he would change something about his function within the occasions on Could 30th, Ruffin saying–
“I wouldn’t,” Ruffin stated. “I’m professional folks protesting. However the primary factor that I need folks to know and perceive is we have now to discover a technique to really do that peacefully.”
We contacted District Lawyer David Prater for remark however have but to listen to again.
Ruffin’s lawyer additionally says he must pay $5000 in restitution for damages to a bail bonds enterprise. However he tells us the fees towards Ruffin have been dropped in that case.
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