Operation 922: How Federal Prosecutors Are Targeting Domestic Abusers With Firearms in Western Oklahoma

A federal initiative called Operation 922 has been quietly building a serious track record across western Oklahoma since 2018. U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester and local, state, and tribal law enforcement are highlighting the program during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The numbers speak for themselves: 433 defendants charged, a conviction rate exceeding 96%, and an average federal prison sentence of 76 months. Law enforcement has also seized 606 firearms and 18,068 rounds of ammunition.

The program, part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, targets federal firearm violations under 18 U.S.C. Section 922 across 26 counties in western Oklahoma. More than a third of those charged were identified as known gang members. The urgency is clear: Oklahoma consistently ranks among the top states in the nation for women murdered by men in domestic disputes, according to a 2025 report. Troester said you cannot have safe neighborhoods without first having safe homes. ATF and Palomar Family Justice Center leaders echoed that removing firearms from prohibited abusers can prevent further violence and save lives.

For Lawton and the surrounding communities, this isn’t a distant federal story. It’s about the safety of our neighbors, our military families, and the people who share our streets. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and local advocates want you to know that help is available. If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation, reach out to the Palomar Family Justice Center or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

What do you think? Are programs like Operation 922 the right approach to reducing domestic violence in Oklahoma? Let us know in the comments.