Oklahoma’s Attorney General demands the transfer of a federal inmate for execution, reigniting a debate on state versus federal authority in capital punishment cases.
At a Glance
- Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond requests transfer of George John Hanson for execution
- Hanson convicted of 1999 kidnapping and murder of 77-year-old Mary Bowles
- Previous transfer request denied by Bureau of Prisons, upheld by federal judge
- Drummond criticizes prior administration for obstructing justice
- Request follows President Trump’s Executive Order supporting death penalty
Oklahoma’s Push for Justice
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has taken a bold step in the pursuit of justice by formally requesting that the Federal Bureau of Prisons release inmate George John Hanson into state custody for execution. Hanson, convicted for the 1999 kidnapping and killing of 77-year-old Mary Bowles in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is currently serving a life sentence for federal convictions in addition to his state death sentence.
The request comes as a renewed effort to carry out the death sentence imposed by the state of Oklahoma. Drummond’s predecessor, John O’Connor, had previously sought Hanson’s transfer and even sued the Bureau of Prisons in 2022 when the request was denied. The Bureau’s refusal, citing public interest, was later upheld by a federal judge.
Criticism of Previous Administration
Drummond has not minced words in his criticism of the prior administration’s handling of the case. He views their refusal to transfer Hanson as a significant obstruction of justice, preventing the execution of a long-standing capital sentence.
“The prior administration’s refusal to transfer Inmate Hanson to state custody to finally carry out a decades-old death sentence is the epitome of subverting and obstructing the execution of a capital sentence,” Mr. Drummond said.
This strong stance aligns with the current administration’s approach to capital punishment. Drummond’s request follows President Trump’s Executive Order directing the Department of Justice to support the death penalty, emphasizing the need to respect and implement laws authorizing capital punishment.
The Case and Its Implications
The case of George John Hanson is particularly heinous. Along with his accomplice Victor Miller, Hanson was involved in the kidnapping and murder of Mary Bowles. Miller also killed Jerald Max Thurman, a witness to the crime. These brutal acts have left a lasting impact on the victims’ families and the Tulsa community.
Drummond has requested Hanson’s transfer to the Lexington Assessment and Reception Center before the next scheduled execution on March 20. This timing is crucial, as Oklahoma has executed 15 inmates since resuming executions in October 2021, following a moratorium due to problematic lethal injections.
Federal Response and Future Implications
The Bureau of Prisons has maintained a neutral stance on the transfer request. When asked for comment, a Spokesperson stated, “Based on privacy, safety, and security reasons, we do not comment on any inmate’s conditions of confinement, including transfers or reasons for transfers.”
