(Lincoln, NE) -- An investigation is underway after the Lincoln Children's Museum and Out Nebraska report multiple threats being made against them due to a planned Drag Queen Story Hour.
The museum was set to host the private event on Saturday, but it has now been canceled after an “overwhelming” number of threats were waged against the museum and Out Nebraska, including death threats. Out Nebraska says, “We look forward to working with Lincoln Children's Museum to reschedule this as an entirely private event. It's so sad when hate threatens families with children. All parents want their children to be safe. Because we could not be certain that it would be safe we will cancel this weekend and reschedule for another time -- this time without a public portion of the invitation.”
Lincoln Police say officers have been investigating the possible threats since being made aware of them Sunday afternoon. LPD says museum leadership told officers that they received communication from unknown individuals about the event, and that they felt the communication threatened the safety and well-being of the attendees. Police say they're investigating all leads, including whether these threats were directed at OutNebraska and its ties to the Lincoln LGBTQ+ community. LPD says at this time, no arrests have been made.
On the Drag Queen Story Hour website, they said during the events, drag queens read stories to children in libraries, schools and bookstores with the goal of giving kids queer role models. “In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real,” the website said.
The Lincoln Children’s Museum reiterated in their post that this was a private event, not organized by the Lincoln Children’s Museum. They also said they are an equal opportunity facility and support inclusivity.
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird issued a statement saying: “Playing politics with people’s lives is never acceptable. Inflammatory online posts about a private event at the Lincoln Children’s Museum inspired threats and fueled hatred and fear. All threats are being investigated by the Lincoln Police Department, and, to our LGBTQ friends and neighbors, know you are loved and welcome in our city.”