Pillen calls for criminal investigation over removal of displays

Gov. Jim Pillen said Wednesday he believes that a senator’s removal of pictures that were part of a historical display at the State Capitol warrants a criminal investigation.

Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh removed pictures near her office last week that were part of a 250th birthday display from controversial conservative content provider PragerU.

At the time, she said she believed the display did not belong on the walls near senators’ offices. None of the displays were damaged, and the Nebraska State Patrol did not issue any citations.

Cavanaugh later apologized, saying she regretted her actions.

Sen. Jared Storm asked the Legislature’s Executive Board to reprimand Cavanaugh, and while the board did meet in closed session to discuss the matter, it has not yet taken any action.

Sen. Ben Hansen, chair of the Executive Board, said Thursday the board had discussed Cavanaugh’s actions, but now would not take any action before the requested criminal investigation plays out.

Pillen, in a news release Wednesday afternoon, said he “share(s) Nebraskans’ profound disappointment in Senator Cavanaugh’s conduct in the State Capitol.”

“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,” he said.

Pillen said he has directed the State Patrol to refer the matter to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.

Cavanaugh could be reached for comment. A spokeswoman for the sheriff's office confirmed that it has been asked to look into the matter.