A Nebraska man has been arrested after allegedly making threats against Catholic schools and the state's Catholic governor.
Ean Halstead, 32, of Omaha, was first arrested on June 29 after the administration of Columbus Catholic Schools contacted the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) to report that it had received a violent threat through the school's website. Columbus is about 90 miles west of Omaha.
The threat targeted both Columbus Catholic Schools and the family of Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, who is a practising Catholic.
“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. I want to thank our dedicated team for their professionalism, teamwork and commitment to keeping Nebraskans safe,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, superintendent of the NSP, in a July 17 statement announcing the arrest.
He continued: “This investigation reflects the importance of preparation, collaboration and the strong partnerships that allow swift and effective response to this type of incident. We are thankful for a safe outcome for all involved.”
According to the NSP, a message posted on the Columbus Catholic Schools Facebook page on June 26 stated that the author was “going to shoot up this school and kill Jim Pillen's children and a few nuns” for “funsies”.
Investigators traced the message to an IP address associated with Halstead's residence. On the afternoon of June 29, Halstead barricaded himself inside his apartment and refused to leave for nearly two hours, said the NSP. He was arrested after leaving the building voluntarily, according to the NSP. Halstead was initially charged with obstructing a police officer and failing to obey a lawful order before being held overnight in jail.
The NSP said its subsequent investigation uncovered “evidence linking Ean Halstead to the threatening message sent to Columbus Catholic Schools”. On July 17, investigators obtained an arrest warrant charging Halstead with terroristic threats and destruction of evidence.
Halstead was arrested again on July 17 “without incident”, the NSP said.
“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,” said Dave Lopez, chief of staff to Governor Pillen, in the NSP statement.
“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. The heated political rhetoric that too often leads to radicalization and violence must cool off.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
