Oklahoma Man Accused of Damaging TV Weather Radar Amid Militia Group Claims

An Oklahoma man has been charged with felony destruction of critical infrastructure after allegedly vandalizing a local television station’s weather radar. According to the state Attorney General’s office, 39-year-old Anthony Tyler Mitchell damaged the power supply for News 9’s NextGen live radar in Oklahoma City. He is currently facing multiple charges, including malicious injury to property and entering with intent to commit a felony.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond emphasized the broader public safety implications of the act, calling the radar system a vital tool that helps save lives during severe weather events. Drummond rejected the idea that radar systems are used for nefarious purposes, saying the alleged crime was not just property damage but a threat to public safety.

The vandalism may be linked to broader anti-government sentiment. The group Veterans On Patrol, known for promoting weather-related conspiracy theories, claimed responsibility for the act. Its founder, Michael Lewis Arthur Meyer, admitted to encouraging similar attacks on radar systems, which the group believes are part of a military plot to control weather patterns. Despite the group’s claims, authorities have not confirmed Mitchell’s connection to Veterans On Patrol.

Security footage captured Mitchell at the site, but investigations into any organized effort are ongoing. Meanwhile, the group has openly stated intentions to target additional radar infrastructure across Oklahoma, raising concerns about further threats to the state’s weather monitoring capabilities.