Dornan running for Legislature, Represented Jake Gardner

The lawyer for a man involved in a controversial and deadly race-related shooting in Omaha is running for the Nebraska Legislature.

Former Douglas County Attorney Stu Dornan, a Republican, has announced his 2022 run for the Legislature’s 20th District in mid-town Omaha.

Dornan was the attorney for Old Market bar owner Jake Gardner .

Gardner was accused of manslaughter in the shooting death of 22-year-old James Scurlock, during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.

Dornan insisted that Gardner, who killed himself before standing trial, shot Scurlock in self-defense.

Dornan, who was County Attorney from 2003-2006, says education, taxes, public safety and mental health are his key issues.

State Senator John McCollister who currently represents the 20th District is term limited and cannot run for reelection.