Nebraska Man Arrested After Alleged Plot Targets Catholic School, Gov. Pillen’s Family and Nuns

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Nebraska authorities have arrested an Omaha man accused of making online threats targeting a Catholic high school and the family of Republican Gov. Jim Pillen, an investigation that later resulted in additional felony charges.

Investigators identified the suspect as 32-year-old Ean Halstead of Omaha, who now faces felony charges of terroristic threats and destruction of evidence.

Troopers had previously arrested Halstead on June 29 on charges of obstructing a police officer and failure to obey a lawful order after authorities said he barricaded himself inside his apartment while officers attempted to contact him during the investigation.

According to investigators, Columbus Catholic Schools alerted the Nebraska State Patrol after receiving a threatening message through the school’s website.

Authorities said the message contained threats of violence against Scotus Central Catholic High School as well as Pillen’s family. School officials immediately notified law enforcement after discovering the message.

When troopers attempted to contact Halstead outside the apartment complex, authorities said he ignored commands, ran inside the residence, and barricaded himself.

After nearly two hours of negotiations, Halstead exited the apartment voluntarily and was taken into custody. NSP SWAT assisted during the operation.

Court records say the threat was posted under the name “Bobby McGee” on the Columbus Catholic Schools Facebook page.

According to investigators, the message stated, “I’m going to shoot up this school and kill Jim Pillen’s children and a few nuns for (expletive) funsies.”

Authorities later searched Halstead’s residence and seized electronic devices they said linked him to the threat.

Investigators also reported finding records showing several phone calls to the governor’s office shortly before the online message was posted, according to WOWT.

After examining electronic devices seized during the search, investigators obtained a second arrest warrant charging Halstead with terroristic threats and destruction of evidence.

He was arrested again on July 17 without incident and is being held at the Douglas County Jail as the investigation continues.

Col. Bryan Waugh, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, said the agency remains committed to responding quickly to threats against schools.

“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,” Waugh said.

Dave Lopez, Gov. Pillen’s chief of staff, praised investigators for their response and said threats against public officials would not be tolerated.

“We have zero tolerance for political violence here in Nebraska, including threats to carry it out,” Lopez said. “If you threaten violence against a public official or their family in this state, you will be found and held accountable.”

Court records cited by multiple outlets indicate Halstead has a prior history involving violent threats.

According to those reports, he was previously convicted in a case involving threats against an ex-boyfriend and setting a bedroom on fire while recording the incident.

Separate court filings also alleged he once threatened an ex-boyfriend with a knife, resulting in a protection order, according to The Blaze.

Authorities said they have continued working with Columbus Catholic Schools throughout the investigation to help ensure the safety of students, staff, and the surrounding community.

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