Protests Grow Over Jail Conditions After Graphic Video Details Hostage Situation

After the hostage situation involving a correctional officer, a crowd gathered outside the Oklahoma County Detention Center on Saturday night.

Protestors said the issues brought up by the inmates are nothing new. They said the living conditions are inhumane, and they are tired of them.

The hostage situation ended with an inmate who was shot and killed by Oklahoma City police. Protestors said things need to change sooner rather than later.

“These aren’t people that are valuable to Oklahoma County. These are people that are throwaways. When you don’t feel like people's lives are worth anything this is what you do to them. You don’t treat them like humans,” rapper and activist Jabee Williams said.

In a video posted by the inmates to Facebook, they claimed that they haven’t showered in weeks, and they have no running water.

Had conditions been different, Rev. T. Sheri Dickerson with Black Lives Matter OKC said Saturday’s incident would have been avoided.

“It sickens me," Rev. Dickerson said. "I don’t understand why people, why the administration, why the system have not been more intentional and expeditious in bringing simple humanity. This is an albatross."

Related: Correction Officer Taken Hostage Rescued Inside Oklahoma County Detention Center

Protestors said they are also calling for better de-escalation techniques in addition to better living conditions for the inmates.