Oklahoma state Representative Ty Burns, a Republican from Pawnee, on Thursday pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of domestic abuse and two misdemeanor counts of assault.

He has also resisted calls from statewide officials including Republican Governor Kevin Stitt to step down from his seat.

Newsweek has reached out to the offices of Burns and Stitt via email for comment.

Why It Matters

Burns’ guilty plea stems from charges related to two separate acts involving family members, one in November 2024 and the other this past April. Last year, Burns attempted to gouge his wife’s eye out during an altercation. This year, he forced a vehicle off the road while threatening the occupants, which included his daughter.

In a statement, Burns said he is taking full responsibility for his actions and is starting treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As of Thursday, Burns was not stepping down as a lawmaker but will step down from some of his roles at the Capitol.

“I take full responsibility for my actions and have started a year-long batterers intervention program and am getting treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and learning how to deal with past experiences in a more healthy manner,” Burns, a veteran of the Oklahoma Army National Guard, said in his statement after pleading guilty.

He continued: “I know I must do better for myself and my family. I deeply regret what occurred and am prepared to be held accountable for my actions. I am stepping down from my position as chair of the Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee so I can focus on my family and serving my constituents.”

What To Know

On Thursday, Burns received a one-year suspended sentence after his plea. The lawmaker within Oklahoma’s 35th District has been in the State Legislature since November 2018. His current term ends in November 2026.

Pawnee County District Judge Patrick Pickerill issued the sentence aimed to run concurrently for each count. Under terms of the sentence, Burns will have to complete a Batterers Intervention Program.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond took on the case after Pawnee County District Attorney Mike Fisher recused himself, due to what The Oklahoman described as a personal relationship between Burns and Fisher which could have impacted proceedings.

“These are serious charges,” Drummond said in a statement. “While there is no excuse for domestic violence, I am encouraged that the representative has taken responsibility for his actions and will receive counseling under terms of his sentence. Domestic violence is tragically all too common in our state. It must stop.”

A spokesperson for Drummond referred Newsweek to his statement, declining to comment on whether Burns should step down from office.

The incident last November involved Burns following his wife into a bathroom, pointing at her and attempting to gouge her eye out, according to court records reported by local media outlets.

The April 25 incident involved Burns pursuing a vehicle that carried an adult and a family member, later deemed to be his daughter. Court records accused Burns of striking the vehicle with his hands, screaming and making threats of violence, including that he would kill the driver, according to the Oklahoma Voice.

Both occupants in the vehicle were reportedly injured when Burns ran them off the road into a ditch.

Burns served deployment tours to Iraq and Afghanistan and has stated that he’s been awarded the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

What People Are Saying

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt in a statement to local ABC affiliate KOCO News: “Representative Burns and his family are in my prayers, but at this time I urge him to step down from his position in the legislature. Domestic violence is a serious crime and should be treated as such. Being an elected official is a full time commitment to the public, and these serious convictions of recent abuse should demand full time and attention to rehabilitation and reconciliation.”

Republican House Speaker Kyle Hilbert in a statement to The Oklahoman: “There is no place in society for domestic violence of any kind. I appreciate Rep. Burns taking ownership for his actions and seeking treatment.”

What Happens Next?

Burns is stepping down from some committee roles but has vowed to remain in office while he seeks treatment.