Minnesota Capitol Tightens Security After Nude Intruder, Political Killings

ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota State Capitol is implementing sweeping new security measures starting Wednesday, a move that comes in the wake of high-profile incidents that have raised alarm over safety at the seat of state government.

The changes, approved by Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson, will reduce the number of public entrances and increase on-site security presence.

"The Capitol is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of democracy and a place where Minnesotans come to be heard," Jacobson said.

"These updated security measures reflect our responsibility and commitment to protecting everyone who works at or visits the Capitol while keeping the building open and accessible to all. We remain committed to continuously reviewing and improving security protocols."

Going forward, only two entrances on the south side of the Capitol will be open to the public during regular business hours:

• The main entrance is at the top of the Capitol steps, and
• The ground-level accessible entrance is beneath the steps.

View a map of the public entrances.

Previously, the Capitol had three public entrances and 14 open doors. All other access points will now require key card entry, and Capitol Security officers will maintain an increased presence at the remaining public doors.

"We are always evaluating options to balance public access and security at the Capitol," said Col. Christina Bogojevic, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol.

"We will continue working with all stakeholders to develop additional recommendations in the weeks and months ahead. Our goal is to enhance safety at the Capitol while ensuring it remains a welcoming place for all Minnesotans."

Other new policies include:

• Visitors who park in the Minnesota Senate Building ramp must now call Capitol Security dispatch for an escort through the tunnel.
• All Capitol entrances are being fitted with alarms, and the State Patrol is expanding its communications center and implementing additional technology upgrades.
• Lt. Col. Jeremy Geiger will now directly oversee Capitol Security operations, elevating its role within the State Patrol’s command structure and streamlining response efforts.

Officials say the State Patrol won’t wait for an ongoing independent security assessment to make changes. They will also consider input from legislators, sergeants-at-arms, the Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security, and others as improvements continue.

The Capitol complex includes 20 buildings, 24 parking facilities, and is monitored by nearly 1,000 security cameras.

Business hours remain unchanged:

• Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed

The new protocols come less than a month after Dominic Terell Peace, a man from Minneapolis, allegedly snuck into the Capitol after hours and was found naked in the Senate president’s chair, claiming to be the governor. Investigators say he used a wooden wedge to prop open a mechanical room door while the building was still open to the public earlier that day. He now faces felony burglary charges.

Even more alarming to officials was the June 14 assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, along with the shooting of State Sen. John Hoffman and his family.

Federal prosecutors say that Vance Boelter targeted multiple Democratic officials in a politically motivated attack that left two people dead and two others hospitalized. He was indicted in July on multiple federal charges, including murder and attempted murder.

While the Department of Public Safety has not directly cited either incident as the reason for the Capitol security overhaul, both cases have prompted serious discussions around building access, staff safety, and emergency readiness.