Suspect arrested following reported threats to shoot nuns, Nebraska governor’s children, Catholic school

An Omaha, Nebraska, man was arrested July 17 and charged with making terroristic threats after allegedly threatening to “shoot up” a Catholic school and kill Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s family, according to reports.

Columbus Catholic Schools received the comment through its website on Friday, June 26, the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) said in a July 17 press release.

According to First Alert 6, a local outlet, the message read: “I’m going to shoot up this school and kill Jim Pillen’s children and a few nuns for (expletive) funsies.”

After the school’s administration contacted the NSP the following Monday, June 29, investigators traced the message’s IP address to the Omaha apartment of Ean Halstead, 32. He was initially arrested on charges of obstructing a police officer and failing to obey a lawful order after barricading himself inside for two hours.

The release said investigators obtained a warrant to search his apartment, where they recovered several electronic devices. An examination of the devices uncovered evidence linking him to the threat, leading authorities to issue a new arrest warrant July 17. 

He was also charged with destroying evidence and booked into the Douglas County Jail later that day.

Col. Bryan Waugh, superintendent of the NSP, emphasized in the release the agency’s commitment to protecting schools and communities.

“Nebraska law enforcement takes threats against our schools seriously, and the Nebraska State Patrol will continue to use every resource available to protect students, staff, and our communities,” he said. 

Dave Lopez, Pillen’s chief of staff, thanked the NSP for its efforts and condemned political violence. 

“We are extremely grateful to the dedicated investigators of the Nebraska State Patrol and allied law enforcement agencies for their quick and thorough work to track down this individual and ensure the security of the First Family,” Lopez said, according to the release. 

“We have zero tolerance for political violence here in Nebraska, including threats to carry it out. If you threaten violence against a public official or their family in this state, you will be found and held accountable,” he added. “The heated political rhetoric that too often leads to radicalization and violence must cool off.” 

The investigation remains ongoing.