Omaha Man Accused of Shooting Police Officer Had Gun Rights Restored Under Nebraska’s Permitless Carry Law
OMAHA, Nebraska — The man accused of shooting an Omaha police officer earlier this week had previously been denied a handgun permit — but later had his gun rights restored under Nebraska’s permitless carry law, known as Legislative Bill 77 (LB 77), which took effect in 2023.
Suspect Identified as Shedrick Mills
Court records show 36-year-old Shedrick Mills appeared in Douglas County Court for his initial hearing after being charged with attempted second-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony, and possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person.
Authorities say Mills allegedly shot Officer Steven Murcek outside a QuikTrip gas station in west Omaha on October 6. Before the shooting, Mills was already wanted for assault charges out of Carter Lake, Iowa, and had been involved in a domestic violence case earlier this year.
How a Denied Gun Permit Was Later Approved
According to Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, Mills’ handgun purchase permit application was denied in 2021 due to a prior 2011 marijuana conviction. He appealed the decision but never appeared in court.
When LB 77 became law in 2023, it nullified local restrictions, including Omaha’s long-standing firearm ordinances. As a result, Mills was no longer considered a prohibited person, forcing the sheriff’s office to issue him a valid permit in November 2023.
“We had to follow state law and issue him a valid handgun purchase permit,” Hanson said. “We had no choice.”
LB 77 Draws Renewed Scrutiny
The case has reignited debate over Nebraska’s permitless carry legislation, which allows eligible adults to carry concealed firearms without a local permit.
Omaha Mayor John Ewing and Police Chief Todd Schmaderer, both of whom opposed the bill, said the law has complicated law enforcement efforts and increased the number of traffic stops involving firearms.
“This is going to be happening too often if the law remains unchanged,” Ewing said, noting the city may seek reform or an exemption from the statewide policy.
Sheriff Hanson said he supported citizens’ right to self-defense but cautioned that “common-sense counterbalances” are needed to prevent violent incidents.
Community and Policy Implications
The shooting of Officer Murcek has renewed calls for better background screenings, mental health evaluations, and closer monitoring of individuals with prior violent behavior.
Mills, who reportedly worked as a private security officer, remains in custody as the investigation continues.
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