Norfolk man accused of assault, hate crime on UNL campus

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Police Department arrested a 21-year-old Norfolk man Thursday morning in connection with a reported hate crime on campus.

UNL Police said the suspect, Cale Wacker, is not affiliated with the university. Wacker is facing a charge of third-degree assault with a hate crime enhancement, a Class IV felony under Nebraska law.

UNL Police Chief Hassan Ramzah said Wacker was identified after his image was distributed to the public through Crimestoppers.

“We had several tips reported on Crimestoppers and are appreciative for the public’s help in making an arrest in this case,” Ramzah said.

Wacker was transported to the Lancaster County Jail where he awaits his first court appearance.

The incident occurred early Sunday between 2 and 2:15 a.m. on the sidewalk along North 16th Street outside Jorgensen Hall, police said.

According to the police report, the suspect approached the victim and his friends and made derogatory comments about the LGBTQ+ community, before slamming one of them to the ground. The suspect then fled on foot.

Police determined the assault met the criteria for a hate crime under Nebraska law and the Clery Act, which defines such crimes as offenses motivated by a victim’s identity, including race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and disability.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor, Rodney Bennett, released a statement on the incident Tuesday:

This morning, University of Nebraska–Lincoln police distributed a safety message to our campus that informed our community about an investigation of a third-degree assault that would be classified by Nebraska law and by the Clery Act as a hate crime motivated by bias against the LGBTQA+ community.

Let me be clear: Actions such as those described to police yesterday are reprehensible and will be addressed through the appropriate legal channels.

It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure our University of Nebraska–Lincoln community supports the success of all students, faculty and staff. As a reminder, a wide range of services are available to help your success. Here are links to some of those resources:

• Student Life Get Help Resource Page: Get Help
• Student Advocacy and Support: Student Advocacy and Support
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS

Today, I recall our guiding statement that every person and every interaction matters. Our path to excellence requires that everyone be able to work and learn in an atmosphere of safety, respect and dignity. I urge all members of our community to fully accept our responsibility to create an environment where each person is valued.