SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota State Patrol will hire an independent firm to conduct a security assessment of the Minnesota State Capitol complex following recent incidents that raised public safety concerns.
The decision comes after the June 14 killings of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shootings of State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. On July 25, Dominic Terrell Peace entered the Senate chambers after hours. Peace, who was non-violent, was arrested outside the Capitol after returning to the area multiple times. He remains in the Ramsey County jail.
“We know that the tragic events of June 14 and the security breach over the weekend at the Capitol have caused fear and concern — and we take that seriously,” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson. “We are committed to learning from recent events and putting better safeguards in place. Public safety is never static. It must evolve as threats evolve. Reviews and assessments can help us adapt, strengthen and prepare.”
In addition to hiring a third-party firm, the State Patrol is conducting an internal review of the July 25 breach. It also completed a criminal investigation and referred the case to the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, which filed charges Tuesday.
The State Patrol is responsible for 24/7 on-site security at the Capitol, monitoring nearly 1,000 cameras across 20 buildings, 24 parking facilities, and surrounding public areas. Since June 14, it has increased security staffing, expanded its communications center, and is evaluating new technology for the Capitol grounds.
“We take all breaches, threats and concerning behavior seriously,” said Col. Christina Bogojevic, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol. She added that security procedures are regularly updated to reflect emerging threats and follow national best practices for capitol security.
The State Patrol continues to work with the St. Paul Police Department, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Metro Transit Police, and legislative sergeants-at-arms to enhance safety in and around the Capitol. A $3 million legislative grant funds a public safety and livability plan led by the sheriff’s office. Metro Transit also launched the Safe and Strong University Avenue initiative this summer, which takes a layered public safety approach along the Green Line.
“The safety and well-being of everyone who serves, works or visits the Capitol is personal to us — not just professional,” Bogojevic said. “We care deeply about creating a secure environment and are committed to learning from every incident to make sure people feel safe walking through those doors. Collaboration with our law enforcement partners is key.”
Jacobson said, “We understand the importance of accountability when it comes to public safety at the Capitol. It should be about building a stronger, safer and more resilient Capitol environment for everyone.”
The Department of Public Safety is also involved in a broader review of the June 14 shootings. Jacobson said lessons from that review, along with the third-party assessment, internal review, and any findings by the Office of the Legislative Auditor, could be used to improve security systems, communication protocols, and coordination among agencies.
