Minn. State Patrol to Outsource Capitol Security Assessment After Shootings and Breach

Increased Security Measures Following Capitol Breach and Shooting Attacks

The Minnesota State Patrol, responsible for overseeing security at the state Capitol, has announced plans to hire a third party to conduct an independent security assessment of the complex in St. Paul. This decision comes after a recent breach of the Senate chamber and a series of shooting attacks on lawmakers in their homes last month.

A 36-year-old man was charged with second-degree burglary for allegedly entering the Minnesota Senate chamber late last Friday when the building was closed to the public. According to charging documents, he was found naked sitting in the Senate president's chair, claiming to be the governor. Surveillance footage showed him earlier in the day, and investigators believe he used a wooden edge to prop open an exterior door so he could return later that night. During regular business hours, the building is accessible to the public without any security checkpoints or metal detectors.

Colonel Christina Bogojevic, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol, stated that officers believed the man was experiencing a mental health episode and took him to a nearby hospital. He later appeared on the Capitol grounds twice on Saturday before being arrested that evening. A "comprehensive review" is currently underway to evaluate what occurred and implement necessary changes to Capitol security protocols, in addition to the third-party expert analysis.

"This is about bringing fresh eyes and objectivity to a place that holds great meaning for Minnesotans," Bogojevic said during a news conference. She emphasized that her agency has increased staff at the Capitol, which is part of a larger 140-acre complex, and implemented policy changes following the politically motivated assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also wounded, and the gunman had a hit list targeting other Democratic elected officials.

Bogojevic noted that many of these changes were already in progress after the June 14 shootings, but efforts are now being redoubled following the recent incident. The fact that the Capitol intruder propped open a door to gain entry was considered alarming. However, the door he used did not have an alarm system that would alert security if left open for an extended period.

She declined to provide details on how the man later entered the Senate chamber, citing the ongoing investigation. The chamber is typically locked and only accessible by a few individuals, with sergeants-at-arms stationed at the front during the legislative session.

Separately, an independent after-action report is being conducted to assess law enforcement’s response to the June 14 attacks. Bob Jacobsen, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, mentioned that this collaboration involves his agency and the Brooklyn Park police, who encountered the accused assassin at the Hortman home that night. Jacobsen praised the efforts of law enforcement in apprehending the suspect within 43 hours of the initial shots being fired.

The shootings have significantly impacted lawmakers' sense of safety and sparked a broader debate about state capitol security. Some are advocating for measures like metal detectors, while others worry that such measures could limit access to the government. Jacobsen mentioned that the agencies are considering the number of public entrances to the building but want to work with legislative partners before making final decisions.

A special advisory committee, composed of bipartisan lawmakers from both chambers, is set to meet next month to make recommendations on security improvements. Jacobsen emphasized the need to balance openness with the security and safety that people expect.

WCCO reported that the Legislature plans to use state funds from each chamber’s budget to assist lawmakers who request help with security upgrades at their homes.