Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska postpones annual gathering following Minnesota attacks

Following the attacks on pro-abortion rights lawmakers in Minnesota over the weekend, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska postponed an event scheduled in Sarpy County Tuesday night.

Planned Parenthood’s website states, “Out of an abundance of caution for our staff, supporters, and community, we have made the decision to postpone Building Power in Nebraska.”

Early Saturday morning, the former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed. Another state senator and his wife were also injured in a shooting.

The primary suspect was apprehended Sunday night. Authorities said he had a hit list of 45 elected officials.

Monday, the Nebraska State Patrol confirmed that no specific Nebraskans were on the suspect’s hit list.

“NSP has been in contact with the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding this case and, at this point, there is no known threat to any Nebraskan, nor have the names of any Nebraskans been located on any such list,” a press release read.

However, reporting from a Minnesota television station indicated that Planned Parenthood of North Central States and health care centers in Iowa and Nebraska were included on the list.

State Sen. Ashlei Spivey was scheduled as the featured speaker for Tuesday’s Planned Parenthood event and said the news coming out of Minnesota has been "terrifying."

“When I heard the news, especially that one, this woman was an elected official, but then also, Planned Parenthood was on the list, it was scary, because I do receive now just some not so nice emails about my stance around reproductive rights,” she said.

Spivey said she is open to discussions about increased security at the Nebraska State Capitol.

“What does safety look like for us while still allowing for people to feel like they have access, right? Like there has to be an intentional balance with that, and I think it is absolutely worth having that conversation,” she said.

Spivey also said state lawmakers may need to reevaluate gun safety laws and access to firearms in Nebraska.

At the federal level, the FBI has been investigating threats made against Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer.

Earlier this week, a Georgia man was indicted for leaving threatening voicemails against Fischer and Sen. Ted Cruz in January.

“Threats to public figures – including lawmakers – are not uncommon, and the Senator’s office reports such threats to the U.S. Capitol Police, who take appropriate action,” said a Fischer spokesperson. “The Senator appreciates Nebraskans’ concerns and their kind words, and she is continuing to do her job on their behalf.”