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The Oklahoma Bar Association has locked down its building to public access following multiple visits by journalists investigating the attempted suspension of attorney Ron Durbin's law license over free speech issues. What was once an open government facility now requires visitors to ring a bell for assistance, with public records areas completely blocked off.
The Lockdown That Followed Public Scrutiny
During a previous visit to document a public hearing, journalists were chased out by highway patrol officers who became physically aggressive with metal detectors. The confrontation escalated when an officer invaded personal space with detection equipment, leading to heated exchanges and threats. Now, the building operates under what officials call "security protocols" similar to other capital complex buildings.
However, unlike other government facilities that maintain some level of public access, the Bar Association has completely sealed off areas where citizens traditionally accessed records. The public desk, once available for document requests, now sits behind locked doors with no direct public access.
A Records Request That Exposed More Problems
When journalist Ron Durbin attempted to file an open records request for documents related to the building lockdown, he encountered Manny Arzola from the Board of Bar Examiners. Arzola initially seemed cooperative, agreeing to help process the request and promising to retrieve the appropriate records custodian.
But something changed when Arzola returned from inside the building. His demeanor shifted dramatically from helpful to openly hostile, suggesting he may have received instructions during his absence.
The Official Who Couldn't Name His Boss
What followed revealed a stunning level of either incompetence or deliberate obstruction. Arzola claimed the records custodian wasn't available, despite Oklahoma law requiring public bodies to have someone available during regular business hours. When pressed for basic information about who would handle the request, he couldn't provide the name of the Bar Association's executive director.
"Look that up online," became Arzola's repeated response when asked simple questions about the organization he represents. For a government employee paid through public funds and bar fees, his refusal to provide basic organizational information raised immediate red flags about transparency.
When Public Servants Forget Who They Serve
The exchange grew more heated as Arzola's behavior became increasingly unprofessional. When reminded that his conduct was being recorded and would be seen publicly, he responded that he didn't care. This from an employee of an organization that regulates attorney conduct and professional ethics.
Under Oklahoma's Open Records Act, public bodies must designate persons authorized to release records, with at least one person available during business hours. Willful violations constitute a misdemeanor offense. Yet here was a state agency employee openly admitting no records custodian was available while refusing to facilitate a citizen's legal request.
The Questions That Remain Unanswered
The video documentation raises serious questions about what the Bar Association is trying to hide. Why lock down a building that handles public business? What security incidents actually occurred, or was this purely retaliation for journalism? And why would a government employee be so brazenly unprofessional unless he felt protected from consequences?
The full confrontation reveals even more disturbing details about how this government agency treats citizens who dare to ask questions.
