Nebraska State Senator Refuses to Apologize for Saying He'd Shoot Police
"I will continue to condemn the police when they are wrong and, in my community they are always wrong," Chambers said.
Nebraska state Sen. Ernie Chambers told fellow lawmakers on the floor Wednesday afternoon that he wouldn't apologize for statements he made during a debate over a gun bill last Friday.
"I will continue to condemn the police when they are wrong and, in my community they are always wrong," Chambers told KETV.
The initial comments came during a hearing on an amendment to a concealed carry law that would allow off-duty officers to bring concealed weapons onto school property.
Chambers said that many people haven't heard the full context of what he was saying. He said he was referring to how he and people in his community don't trust police. Chambers pointed to a recent case where an officer shot and killed an unarmed man in the back who had his hands on the hood of a car. The grand jury didn't file any charges against the officer, but the officer later resigned.
"These police (officers) literally get away with murder," Chambers said. "They've been given carte blanche. County Attorney Don Kleine even (said) if a cop is wrong, if he thinks he's right, it's all right."
Meanwhile, at least one senator and the city of Omaha is calling for Chambers to be held accountable.
"I think Sen. Chambers owes those who wear a uniform in law enforcement an apology. And I believe he owes an apology to every member of our armed forces who's in harm's way to defend our country," Sen. Beau McCoy said.
"Chambers is saying that he would do that, he wants to do that. I mean, it's a terroristic threat," President of the Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police John Francavilla said. "It's a very hurtful statement that he made towards us, when he's comparing us to what most Americans see as the most radical group out there. Him saying that most law enforcement officers fall into that category in his eyes."
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer issued the following statement Wednesday:
"The comments that Sen. Ernie Chambers made today at the Nebraska Unicameral are not only reprehensible but are completely without merit. The comments are unbecoming of a state senator and have brought no value to the discussion of police community relations. I stand with my Omaha Police officers as they are hardworking dedicated professionals."
More Patrol

5.11 Expands Professional Services Line with Premium, Performance-Driven Scrubs Designed for Healthcare Professionals
The launch of high-performance medical scrubs marks another major expansion of 5.11’s growing Professional Services category, enabling hospitals and healthcare systems to outfit a wide range of roles.
Read More →
SOG Knives Unveils 250th Anniversary Limited Edition Fixed Blade
SOG Knives has debuted its 250th Anniversary Limited Edition SEAL FX Fixed Blade, and only 250 are available. It features an advanced 4.3-inch S35VN steel blade and a tough glass-reinforced nylon handle.
Read More →
POLICE Product Test: Streamlight Wedge SL
The Streamlight Wedge SL is a high-performance light for inspection or administrative tasks that features USB-C charging and an output up to 500 lumens in a compact package.
Read More →
NLEOMF Officer of the Month Saved Child from Burning Vehicle
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund named Officer Michael Jaycox of the San Jose Police Department (California) as the Officer of the Month for May 2026. Read more about Jaycox’s heroic actions.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the Contact Collection for LE
Garmont Tactical has launched its Contact Collection, a new lineup of law-enforcement duty boots featuring 4-inch and 6-inch options, including waterproof models.
Read More →
Folds of Honor Celebrates Graduation Season as 1,613 Military and First Responder Family Scholars Earn Their Degrees
Every Folds of Honor scholar graduating in the Class of 2026 carries a story starting with sacrifice. Folds of Honor ensures it doesn’t end there. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 73,000 educational scholarships to military and first responder families.
Read More →
Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →
When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?
Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →