OKLAHOMA CITY — The Neal Center for Justice, Inc. held a press conference on June 4 at the Oklahoma State Capitol to discuss what advocates describe as retaliatory actions taken against Oklahoma inmate Charles Tiger following a recent public press conference concerning his near-fatal stabbing and ongoing treatment within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
The Neal Center for Justice also announced its intention to assist Charles Tiger’s wife Dawn Tiger in seeking injunctive relief against the Oklahoma Department of Corrections to prevent further alleged retaliation and to protect Charles Tiger’s constitutional and civil rights.
According to statements provided by his wife, Charles Tiger was transferred on April 8, 2026, to the Great Plains Correctional Facility – a known dangerous environment – despite repeated warnings that the move would put his life in danger. Tiger was transferred despite having no recent misconducts and maintaining an active leadership role within inmate organizations, including serving as Sergeant-at-Arms for the NAACP chapter and Vice President of the Native American Club. Tiger reportedly organized positive events, tournaments, and outside advocacy initiatives while incarcerated.
Dawn stated that her husband carried an inactive Security Threat Group (STG) designation, which should have raised serious concerns regarding any transfer into a potentially hostile environment. Despite allegedly informing intake personnel, medical staff, and correctional officers that he should not be placed in the assigned housing unit due to threats against his life, Tiger was nevertheless placed into the unit.
Less than four minutes after entering the housing area, Charles Tiger was allegedly attacked by more than 20 inmates armed with knives and stabbed approximately 38 times.
The attack reportedly resulted in catastrophic injuries, including two collapsed lungs, severe internal bleeding requiring liver surgery, and a broken rib, which required extended hospitalization and emergency airlift transport.
“This incident raises deeply troubling questions about deliberate indifference, inmate safety, and whether prison officials ignored explicit warnings that could have prevented this near-fatal attack,” said C.J. Webber-Neal of the Neal Center for Justice, Inc.
Webber-Neal further expressed concern regarding allegations that Tiger has continued to face retaliation and medical neglect following the attack.
According to Dawn Tiger, Charles Tiger has allegedly been subjected to repeated cell shakedowns; he received a disputed disciplinary write-up regarding property that had allegedly been previously approved; family visitation, phone privileges, and canteen access were removed; medical nutritional supplements necessary for recovery were denied; and prescribed medications were reportedly discontinued.
Tiger allegedly has not been allowed to see a physician since April 29, she said, and requests for psychological evaluation related to possible post-traumatic stress disorder have allegedly gone unanswered.
The Neal Center for Justice was informed that recent repeated attempts by the family to contact Oklahoma Department of Corrections officials, including the Director and Warden Tommy Sharp, have allegedly been ignored or declined.
“This matter transcends prison politics,” said Webber-Neal. “Human beings do not surrender their constitutional rights at the prison gate. When a prisoner warns staff that his life is in danger, and that warning is ignored with devastating consequences, the public deserves answers.”
The Neal Center for Justice, Inc. is demanding:
• An immediate independent investigation into the transfer and stabbing of Charles Tiger;
• Preservation of all surveillance footage, incident reports, emails, medical records, and housing logs related to the attack;
• A full review of transfer procedures involving inmates with known safety concerns;
• Immediate medical and psychological evaluation for Charles Tiger;
• Restoration of appropriate family communication and visitation rights; and
• Protection against retaliation for Mr. Tiger or his family for speaking publicly about these events.
Webber-Neal was joined by former state Senator Connie Johnson, Dawn Tiger and representatives of the NAACP at the press conference. Advocates and family members addressed several developments that have occurred since the previous press conference, including:
- The issuance of a Class A and Class X misconduct against Charles Tiger involving property that advocates contend had been previously approved by prison officials, as well as a marijuana-related allegation that advocates maintain is unsubstantiated.
- The confiscation of Charles Tiger’s tablet and primary means of communication with family members one day after the previous press conference, effectively limiting his ability to maintain contact with loved ones and outside advocates.
- Charles Tiger’s transfer on June 2, 2026, to the Oklahoma State Penitentiary (OSP), a maximum-security facility.
- Planned legal action seeking court intervention to prevent further alleged retaliation and to ensure access to medical care, family communication, and due process protections.
The Neal Center for Justice, Dawn Tiger, and supporting advocates contend that the actions taken against Charles Tiger following public scrutiny raise serious concerns regarding retaliation against an inmate and his supporters for exercising protected speech and advocacy rights.
About the Neal Center for Justice, Inc.
The Neal Center for Justice, Inc. is a civil rights and public accountability organization dedicated to protecting constitutional rights, advancing government transparency, and advocating for justice within Oklahoma’s criminal legal system.
