Robert Manger

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years later, September 11, 2001, is still a day none of us will ever forget.

I remember where I was when I learned that our nation was under attack. Like so many Americans, I remember the uncertainty and fear of those first hours, when we did not know whether more attacks were coming or what would happen next.

Today, we remember the innocent lives taken that day, including seven Oklahomans. As Oklahomans, we understand all too well the pain terrorism can inflict on a community and a nation. We remember the lives lost in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, just as we continue to remember those lost in the Oklahoma City bombing.

We also honor the first responders, firefighters, law enforcement officers, medical personnel, and everyday Americans who ran toward danger while others ran away. Many paid the ultimate price, and many who survived have continued to face serious health consequences from the work they did in the aftermath.

The tragedy of September 11 did not end when the towers fell or the smoke cleared. Families have carried that loss for 25 years, and we owe it to them to remember.

Today, I hope you will take a moment to remember where you were that morning, remember the lives that were lost, and remember the courage and sacrifice of those who stepped forward to help.

We will never forget.

09/10/2026

Manger applauds Governor's denial of Stafford parole

Representative Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt denied parole for Verna Stafford:

"We do not take crimes of this magnitude lightly in Oklahoma. I trusted Governor Stitt to make the right decision in this case, and he did. Several relatives of the victims reached out to me with serious concerns about this possibility for Stafford, and I listened to them. Let this be a reminder that those responsible for a massacre should not expect leniency from the state. Any forgiveness Stafford seeks must come from the victims of the family and God."

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board could reconsider parole for Verna Stafford's first life sentence in three years. Had Stitt approved parole, Stafford would have completed her first life sentence and begun serving her second consecutive life sentence.

Manger chairs the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee. He began his 33-year law enforcement career the same year the Sirloin Stockade murders occurred and was present when those responsible were booked into jail. He later served with the U.S. Marshals Service, where he helped bring numerous fugitives to justice.

Oklahoma House of Representatives
Robert Manger

08/11/2026

Manger Condemns Board’s Decision to Advance Parole for Sirloin Stockade Murderer
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, released the following statement condemning the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board’s decision to recommend parole for Verna Stafford, who was convicted for her role in the 1978 Sirloin Stockade massacre.
"Parole, even one step closer, is not owed to Verna Stafford. Justice is owed to her victims. The board’s decision moves a convicted murderer one dangerous step closer to freedom. It disregards the brutality of these crimes, the lives that were stolen and the pain the victims’ families have carried. I began my law enforcement career the same year this massacre shocked our state. I remember like it was yesterday seeing the suspects being brought into the jail. I remember looking into their eyes and witnessing for myself the danger and recklessness that defined their character. They were as cold-blooded as they come. They preyed on nine innocent people, robbed them of their lives and left families permanently shattered.
"She can say that she changed, and she can seek repentance. In fact, I truly hope she did. But what she cannot do is steal nine innocent lives and then escape the full punishment imposed for those crimes. I am calling on the Governor to reject this recommendation. Verna Stafford should never get one step closer to seeing the light of day as a free person."
Stafford was sentenced to serve two consecutive life sentences for her role in the nine murders. She and her husband, Roger Dale Stafford, who was executed in 1995, were convicted of murdering a family of three along Interstate 35 near Purcell and later robbing an Oklahoma City Sirloin Stockade restaurant, where they stole $1500 and murdered six employees.
Stafford’s parole recommendation now goes to the Governor for final consideration. If approved, the parole would apply only to her first life sentence. She would then begin serving her second consecutive life sentence and could be eligible for parole again in 15 years.
Manger, chair of the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee, completed a 33-year law enforcement career with the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Rep. Robert Manger released the following statement condemning the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board’s decision to recommend parole for Verna Stafford, who was convicted for her role in the 1978 Sirloin Stockade massacre.

Read More: https://www.okhouse.gov/posts/news-20260811_1

08/08/2026

On Monday at 9 a.m., the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board will consider whether Verna Stafford should move another step closer to freedom.
There can be no debate and no compromise. She must remain behind bars for the rest of her life.
I remember like it was just yesterday when they were brought into the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office. I remember looking into their eyes and seeing the recklessness and danger. It was the same year I began my law enforcement career in 1978.
She was convicted for her role in the brutal 1978 murders that claimed six employees of an Oklahoma City Sirloin Stockade, and a family of three in Purcell. These victims cannot come home. Their families have lived with that loss for nearly half a century.
Verna, her husband and her brother-in-law were as cold-blooded as they come. All to rob the restaurant for $1,500. That's $250 for each life they took.
People may repent, but repentance does not erase accountability. Verna Stafford should never again see the light of day as a free person. I strongly urge the board to deny parole and stand firmly with the victims, their families and the people of Oklahoma.

07/22/2026

Congratulations to Choctaw Chief of Police Kelly Marshall on receiving the 2026 OACP Chief of the Year Award! This well-deserved recognition reflects her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the Choctaw community. Congratulations!

Choctaw Chief of Police Kelly Marshall was presented the 2026 OACP CHIEF OF THE YEAR AWARD tonight during the regular city council meeting.

07/13/2026

I was honored to attend the presentation of a flag and flagpole to Choctaw Mayor Chad Allcox by Flag Poles Honoring Veterans.

Seeing Mayor Allcox receive this recognition was a privilege, and I am grateful to have been able to witness such a meaningful moment in our community. Our flag represents the bravery, sacrifice, and service of generations of Americans, and I appreciate those who work to ensure our veterans are always remembered and honored.

05/15/2026

The Second Session of the 60th Legislature has officially come to a close! I’m grateful for the many bills that we passed this year and for getting one of the earliest budgets approved in recent state history! Thank you to everyone who reached out and stayed engaged in the many discussions we had this session.

Now it’s time to get back to our great district, hear more of your thoughts, and start preparing for the next session!

05/08/2026

Honored to see HB4141 signed into law. While we all wish legislation like this was not necessary, establishing a statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner position is an important step toward ensuring survivors across Oklahoma have access to compassionate, specialized care and support.

A measure aimed at supporting sexual assault victims across Oklahoma has been signed into law, securing the continuation of the Statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Coordinator position within the District Attorneys Council.

Read More: https://www.okhouse.gov/posts/news-20260505_9

05/04/2026

We’ve completed the third month of session, and the pace at the Capitol continues to move quickly. With major deadlines approaching, the House has advanced more than 200 measures out of committee and passed dozens of Senate bills and joint resolutions as we work through the second half of session.
I’m proud that several of my bills have continued to move through the process, including House Bill 4141, which supports the statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner coordinator and ensures continued coordination of care for victims of sexual assault. I’m also encouraged to see Senate Bill 1921 become law, strengthening criminal history background check requirements, and Senate Bill 1730 advance to improve reporting of serious law enforcement complaints to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
This month also included important work on broader policy issues. Senate Bill 1145 was approved, providing cost-of-living adjustments for long-term retirees in the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, and Senate Joint Resolution 39 advanced, allowing voters to consider changes to slow property tax growth and provide additional protections for seniors.
It has also been a privilege to recognize and participate in events at the Capitol, including OSU Day with Oklahoma State University students and faculty, as well as honoring student-athletes and coaches from Carl Albert High School for their achievements and continued tradition of excellence.
As we move further into the second half of session, upcoming deadlines will continue to shape the work ahead as Senate measures move through the process.
Please know I remain committed to representing District 101 and working every day on policies that support our communities, strengthen our state, and reflect the values of the people I serve.

04/19/2026

I still remember