Nebraska man pleads no contest in active shooter drill case

Omaha, Nebraska – John Channels, a 29-year-old resident, has pleaded no contest to four counts of making terroristic threats during a controversial active shooter drill in 2022. The plea, made on Tuesday, is part of a deal with prosecutors who have dismissed an additional count related to the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, according to the Omaha World-Herald. Channels staged the drill at Omaha Catholic Charities, where he arrived wearing a black hoodie and mask, firing blanks from a semiautomatic handgun. He also created a scene with “victims” covered in fake blood, simulating a mass casualty event. Hired by the charity to assess employee preparedness, Channels misled them by claiming prior experience and that law enforcement would be present, which was not the case. The drill caused panic among employees, prompting emergency calls to police. Prosecutors, including Douglas County's Don Kleine, expressed concern over the potential consequences of the drill, which could have led to serious injuries or even fatalities. One employee has since filed a lawsuit against the charity, alleging physical and psychological harm from the incident, although a judge dismissed her case, directing it to Workers’ Compensation Court. As part of the plea agreement, Channels also had 22 additional counts related to child sexual abuse materials and sexual assault dropped. He is scheduled for sentencing on October 25, facing a potential prison term of 21 years to life.