2023 arrest in Oklahoma for obstruction during a traffic stop, and his public apology
AP, NBC, NYT, ABC and Rolling Stone coverage of Zach Bryan's September 2023 arrest in Vinita, Oklahoma, after he got out of his truck during a traffic stop of his security guard and did not follow an officer's orders. He was briefly jailed on an obstruction charge, then posted an apology video calling himself an idiot. Reported language only.
Editorial timeline of public reporting, not a legal finding.
- Arrested in Vinita on an obstruction charge - NBC News and The New York Times reported that the Oklahoma Highway Patrol arrested Zach Bryan in Vinita. The Times said he was charged with obstructing an officer, a misdemeanor, and said on social media he was released the same day. Country singer Zach Bryan arrested after incident with Oklahoma troopers
- First apology posted on X - AP and NBC News reported that Bryan confirmed the arrest in a post on X, writing that emotions got the best of him and he was out of line in what he said. He said he supports law enforcement and apologized to the officers. Country music star Zach Bryan says he was arrested and jailed briefly in northeastern Oklahoma
- Police report: he twice ignored orders to return to his truck - ABC News obtained a police report saying that after Bryan's security guard was stopped for alleged speeding, Bryan pulled up alongside and twice did not comply with an officer's orders to get back in his truck before he was arrested. The New York Times also cited the probable cause affidavit. Country star Zach Bryan arrested: Police report sheds light on circumstances surrounding the traffic stop
- Video apology: I was just an idiot - Rolling Stone reported that Bryan explained the incident in a video, said he was just an idiot and took responsibility. He said he does not think he is above the law and that it would not happen again. Zach Bryan Explains Arrest and Apologizes: 'I Was Just an Idiot'