LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Gov. Jim Pillen said Wednesday that he is calling for a criminal investigation into the recent removal of a Nebraska Capitol display on American history.
A 40-second security video shared by Pillen appears to show Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha taking down several displays of The Founders Museum traveling exhibit on Jan. 7. A photo showed the items on the floor of her office.
The displays feature a number of historical figures, key events in the American Revolution and portraits of those who signed the Declaration of Independence, all made by PragerU. They were put up in the State Capitol as part of the United States' 250th anniversary celebration.
"As many Nebraskans and officials in the Capitol have expressed, if a private citizen had engaged in similar conduct, there would be a consequence for such misconduct," Pillen said in a statement.
Pillen said his team consulted with law enforcement and members of the Nebraska Legislature and determined this incident warranted a criminal investigation.
"Due to the Nebraska State Patrol's responsibility for Capitol and legislative security, I have directed that agency's superintendent, Colonel Bryan Waugh, to refer this matter to the Lancaster County Sheriff for further investigation," Pillen said.
Pillen said, as for any accountability Cavanaugh should face as a senator, "that is exclusively the responsibility of the Legislature as a separate branch of government."
Cavanaugh defended her actions in a recent interview with 10/11, saying senators are prohibited from putting items on the walls in the hallway outside their offices and that she "wasn't aware" the exhibit was being put up this week, or that it had anything to do with the semi-quincentennial.
The posters line the entire hallway around the first floor, but Cavanaugh said she only took down the ones outside her office.
She added that according to Nebraska Administrative Code, information booths, displays and other public notices "may be authorized for a limited period of time," but are usually shown in the center of the first floor rotunda, not the hallways.
Cavanaugh later apologized to senators on the floor about the incident.
The Founders Museum exhibit is expected to remain on display during public building hours through the summer.
"I share Nebraskans' profound disappointment in Senator Cavanaugh's conduct in the State Capitol on Wednesday, January 7. As surveillance footage and observer pictures show, Senator Cavanaugh ripped down several of the State's America 250 displays showcasing prominent figures and events throughout our Nation's history and then stashed them in her office. As many Nebraskans and officials in the Capitol have expressed, if a private citizen had engaged in similar conduct, there would be a consequence for such misconduct.
My team and I have carefully consulted with law enforcement and members of the Legislature, and I have concluded this warrants a criminal investigation by law enforcement. Due to the Nebraska State Patrol's responsibility for Capitol and legislative security, I have directed that agency's superintendent, Colonel Bryan Waugh, to refer this matter to the Lancaster County Sheriff for further investigation.
As for any accountability Senator Cavanaugh should face as a Senator, that is exclusively the responsibility of the Legislature as a separate branch of government."