Enhanced Security Protocols Coming To Minnesota State Capitol

There will be a number of security improvements to the Minnesota State Capitol by the time lawmakers arrive for the new session in February.

After Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were killed in their home, and Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, were shot, more attention was paid to the security of lawmakers while they’re in session.

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The Minnesota Department of Public Safety commissioned an independent security assessment of the Minnesota State Capitol. The report recommended screening for prohibited weapons at the capital in order to better protect public officials, staff, and members of the public.

Monday, Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order charging the Commissioner of Public Safety, working with the Colonel of the Minnesota State Patrol, to put into place the equipment and trained personnel necessary to implement weapons screening to ensure that unlawful dangerous items are not introduced into the Minnesota State Capitol.

Under Minnesota statute, dangerous weapons, ammunition, and explosives are not allowed on Capitol grounds.

No designs or plans for the security improvements have been released to the public.