In a time when decency and respect seem harder to come by, the people of Omaha, Nebraska, have reminded us what it means to stand together for what is right. When Officer Kerrie Orozco was killed in the line of duty, her community didn’t just mourn her loss—they rose up in unity, love, and quiet strength to honor her memory and shield her family from hate.
Officer Orozco was only 29 years old. She wasn’t just a police officer—she was also a new mother. Her daughter had been born three months early and remained in the hospital. Most parents would take time off right away, but Kerrie stayed on the job, courageously serving her city until her child was well enough to come home. The day before she was supposed to go on maternity leave, she was shot and killed while trying to arrest a violent criminal. Her bravery cost her everything—and Omaha lost a hero.
As if her death wasn’t painful enough, the Westboro Baptist Church—a group known for spreading hate at funerals of police officers—decided to picket Orozco’s service. Their goal was cruel and clear: to disrupt a sacred ceremony and bring pain to a grieving family. But instead of causing division or fear, their hateful plans brought out something beautiful—community strength.
That’s when Operation White Out Nebraska was born. Everyday Nebraskans, young and old, stood up to block out the hate. Over 1,000 people came together through a Facebook group, crafting large white sheets with a blue line across them—a symbol of support for law enforcement. They stood shoulder to shoulder, creating a wall of peace between the funeral procession and the hate group. Their goal was simple and pure: to protect the mourners from having to see or hear the Westboro protesters.
The effort was led by people like Kate Kielion, whose father served as a police officer. She said it best: “Our purpose was to hide the hate and show the love, and that’s what happened.” And it did. The people of Omaha didn’t shout or fight. They didn’t stoop to the level of the Westboro activists. They simply showed up in love and strength—and it worked. Before the funeral procession even passed by, the Westboro group had packed up and left. They had been silenced not by force, but by unity.
Another local, Josh Swafford, said what so many of us feel in times like this: “We’re all in this together. Everyone should be able to grieve in peace.” That kind of wisdom and compassion is what America needs more of today. When our values are under attack—whether from radicals, media bullies, or hate groups—we don’t need to yell louder. We need to stand taller, walk together, and show what real character looks like.
The people of Omaha deserve our respect and admiration. They showed that the best way to fight darkness is with light. In a time when law enforcement officers are often unfairly criticized or targeted, it is refreshing—and necessary—to see a community rally around one of its own. We should never forget that every day, men and women in uniform risk their lives to keep our neighborhoods safe. When they fall, they deserve our full honor, not disgraceful protests.
There’s a lesson here for the rest of the country. When evil tries to make its voice heard, it’s not enough to just ignore it. We must respond—not with rage, but with resolve. Not with chaos, but with courage. And not with hate, but with honor.
Officer Kerrie Orozco gave her life in service to others. Her story should never be forgotten. And thanks to the good people of Omaha, her funeral was not marked by hate, but by hope. She was buried with dignity, and her family was surrounded by love. That’s the America we believe in. That’s the America we must fight to protect.
