Thread by @sarahgraysaid

Capitol 🧵 @mynameisJabee speaking at the Capitol - says he asked Julius’ mom what should we do today. She said “pray, because I see now that only God can save my son.”

Calling for 22 seconds of silence in honor of the 22 years Julius has spent incarcerated / 2

Previous speakers since I’ve been here have been State Rep. Regina Goodwin, @mynameisJabee, @_illbethechange. /3

Rev. Dr. @shannon_fleck is a leading a prayer now for everyone in attendance. Asking everyone to put their hands on the ground during prayer /4

Sorry for the wonky threads, I’ll get it together.

Estimating around 250 people here, now chanting #FreeJuliusJones /5

Volunteers have brought pizza for everyone. LOTS of high school kids /6

Several State Reps/Senators sat for the speakers and are here now. @EmilyVirginOK @ForrestBennett Senator George Young, etc /7

Two more groups for high school students are about to arrive, Putnam City and not sure of the other /8

Several groups of students organized walk outs today in support of Julius. It’s been widely covered by local media. Can’t really look any direction and not see press /9

Just a note, there are more electeds here than who I named so pls don’t angry tweet your elected if I don’t mention them. /9 😬😬😬

Don’t come for me if you see me without a mask. I’m hungry /10

Going to ask people for comments. Standby. Also, shoutout to whoever brought all of this /11

Group of about 100 are singing outside @GovStitt’s office /12

Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus @RepJasonLowe - my question, what would you say to @GovStitt if he were in front of you right now. /12

Signs outside @GovStitt’s office - one quoting a former statement from him /13

It’s worth noting, this is a very faith oriented gathering of young and old. It’s wild to think that @GovStitt wouldn’t feel compelled to come speak to everyone. They’re literally sitting down, singing hymns and praying. /14

Julius’ family is here, escorted by @JHarrisTill and other friends of the family. 🖤🖤🖤 I first met Mrs. Jones and Antoinette last year when @TheBWSTimes hosted a forum at Vernon AME & Julius called in to thank us for being there. /15

Folks are singing amazing grace now. More legislators are spotted, including @MaureeTurnerOK, Rep. Pittman etc.

Media avail is planned for 4pm at the 2nd floor rotunda /16

Bad sign y’all. Capitol is closed tomorrow per Capitol Director of Ops /17

This is horrific. @GovStitt is going to let this man be killed without even the respect of an explanation to his family. He is a cruel godless man. /18

I’ve seen several Capitol security staff who are visibly moved by the hymns. I took a photo but I want to respect their privacy. I don’t trust @GovStitt’s administration to not retaliate. /19

Capitol staff are now setting up foe the press conference. @cecejonesdavis is speaking to the gathering of supporters. Calling attention to the @innocence project and their support. /20

Sorry, there as got sloppy again.

Mrs. Jones is at the podium now. /24

Antoinette Jones says they just got off the phone with Julius and he said he thanks God for letting us all come together. He said all of this (the gathering) is God. Says Julius is grateful to God for choosing him to be the spotlight to show the issues with the DOC in OK /25

His pastor asks how can his legal team meet with Julius to hug him but his spiritual advisor can’t. Says Julius’ arms were shackled, and he couldn’t even wipe his tears. Says Julius asked “how could they do this to me? I wasn’t there.” /26

“100 years ago, in the Tulsa Race Massacre, Oklahoma lynched African Americans. And 100 years later, the state of Oklahoma has learned anything” - not verbatim. From his pastor /27

Pastor has a message for businesses outside of Oklahoma who think they might want to move to Oklahoma “look at what we do to our citizens!” /28

@cecejonesdavis is speaking now - talking about the different organizations who have supported communication for Julius, including @CPAC and other conservative groups /29

The family and attendees are closing with a prayer. There is a vigil planned here at the Capitol hosted by @blmokc and @MatriarchOK at 5PM, followed by a 6PM vigil at the Oklahoma History Center.

I’m going to end this for a while. I need a break. /end