Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen sustained multiple internal injuries after being bucked off a horse, including minor lacerations to his spleen and kidney, a partially collapsed lung, and broken ribs. He was riding with family members when the incident occurred and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Despite the seriousness of his injuries, they were not life-threatening, and he is expected to remain in the hospital for a few days for observation.

Pillen underwent a successful procedure to address minor bleeding from his spleen and is currently in stable condition. Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly briefly acted as governor during the procedure. Pillen is in his first term as governor, having been elected in 2022, and is expected to continue working from his hospital room. He was appointed to the position after former Gov. Pete Ricketts was term-limited and appointed to the U.S. Senate.

The governor’s office described the procedure as a success, and Pillen was able to watch part of a Nebraska basketball game from his hospital room while speaking with his family and team. Despite the seriousness of the incident, Pillen’s injuries were not life-threatening, and he is expected to recover from his injuries.