Nebraska lawmakers shared their fears and frustration on Thursday as they talked about death threats they have been getting related to two bills aimed at gun control.
Senator Adam Morfeld was outraged over a post stating “Kill Your Local Politician” “If you look at what's been handed out here today on this body, on this floor…it is absurd," he said on the chamber floor in Lincoln. "And the fact that we're not taking this more seriously is a disgrace."
Morfeld supports a bill calling for law enforcement to temporarily ban those they deem "an extreme risk" from purchasing or possessing a firearm for a year.
Last Friday hundreds of gun supporters gathered at the state capitol to speak out against the law. Morfeld said one of those supporters who testified in committee hearings last Friday supports the post.
Senator Machaela Cavanaugh of Lincoln introduced a bill limiting firearms for those convicted of domestic violence.. “I am scared, and that should be enough for all of you,” she said.
While most senators expressed concern and outrage Senator Ernie Chambers welcomed them to the club. Chambers said he's been constantly threatened during his 46 years in the legislature.
“I leave this building, I walk to my car…without a gun when it's dark. I’m not going to run from them, or anybody else,” Chambers said. “My phone number and address are in the telephone book. Now if they can read and they know the alphabet…they can find out right where I live.”
Omaha Senator Justin Wayne said previous silence caused today's uproar. “This body was silent when 34 of us got bloody Barbies delivered to our offices my first year,” he said. “That's why we are scared today, because we let it happen to other people previously.”
Most threats are turned over to the Nebraska State Patrol to be investigated.