Gov. Pete Ricketts
The 19-year-old son of Gov. Pete Ricketts was robbed at gunpoint Sunday night while running near the family home in Omaha.
Omaha police say Roscoe Ricketts was robbed near Underwood Avenue and Fairacres Road.
Gov. Ricketts says he believes the robbery was a random event, not politically motivated.
“My son is doing fine, and I want to complement the Omaha Police Department. They did a fantastic job of responding. They were very professional, very compassionate. Took the report. Did their research and, obviously, we will stay in touch as the investigation goes forward,” Ricketts tells reporters at the Capitol.
Roscoe has appeared in Ricketts’ re-election campaign television ads, but the governor doesn’t believe the robber recognized him.
“I think it was just a random event. I don’t think there was any sort of targeting,” Ricketts says. “I think it was just a random event that happened. It was unfortunate. My son was out running at night and got mugged.”
Ricketts sees no connection with politics.
“I don’t think this had anything to do with the election,” Ricketts says. “I think this was a random event. I think the Omaha police will take the appropriate actions with the regard to the investigation and how they are going to look at what is going on in the neighborhood, but I don’t think this has anything to do with the election.”
Omaha police say Roscoe Ricketts reported only his cell phone was taken.