Tulsa County district attorney calls on legislators to act on mental illness assistance
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Almost 24 hours after he was allegedly stabbed by his daughter, Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler spoke out.
“Yesterday, my family endured one of the toughest days in our lives," said Kunzweiler.
He was thankful he and his daughter were alive and gave an update on his condition.
“I'm doing fine. I'm a little bit sore. I've got some staples, but I'm doing fine," Kunzweiler said.
He took the time during the press conference to talk about mental illness and how it doesn’t discriminate.
“Many families like ours have endured years of anxious ridden concern for our affected loved ones. No one, no one wants to be mentally ill," he said.
He thanked the first responders from dispatch to the Saint Francis staff.
Then, he called on Oklahoma's leaders to do better in supporting people who are battling mental illness.
“When it comes to meaningful health funding, the elected leaders in our state need to make this a priority. Protecting our citizens is your job. Providing adequate infrastructure to safeguard all mentally ill citizens is your job," said Kunzweiler.
There was pain in his voice as he pleaded for legislators to do something to help the mentally ill in our state.
It wasn’t just the DA speaking, it was the father of someone battling mental illness.
He challenged lawmakers to speak with people who deal with the mentally ill on a daily basis and learn about the difficulties they face.
The Tulsa Police Department said Jennifer Kunzweiler, the DA's daughter, is in the hospital getting treatment for her injuries and will be charged with assault with a deadly weapon when she’s released.
