Security tightened at Minnesota State Capitol building

Sofia Barnett, Star Tribune on Aug 5, 2025

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Starting Wednesday, visitors to the Minnesota State Capitol will encounter tighter security and fewer public entry points under new measures announced by the Department of Public Safety.

The heightened security come a week after safety officials ordered an outside review of security at the State Capitol in response to the shootings of two lawmakers at their homes and a recent break-in at the Capitol building.

The changes, approved by DPS Commissioner Bob Jacobson, reduce the number of open Capitol building entrances from three to two — both on the building’s south side. Normally there are 14 total doors open during business hours. Starting Wednesday, there will only be a total of four open doors.

There will also be a greater presence of Capitol Security officers at those doors. Officials say the goal is to enhance safety while maintaining public accessibility.

“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 in a Tuesday statement.

Public access will now be limited to the main south entrance at the top of the Capitol steps and a ground-level accessible entrance beneath them. All other doors will require key card access. Visitors needing to use the tunnel from the Senate Building ramp must call Capitol Security dispatch to request an escort.

The State Patrol, which oversees 24/7 security for the Capitol complex, is also elevating Lt. Col. Jeremy Geiger to oversee Capitol Security operations more directly — a move officials say will streamline decision-making and improve responsiveness.

The update comes ahead of a third-party assessment of Capitol security. Officials say they will continue to refine protocols based on those recommendations and input from lawmakers and other stakeholders.

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(Ryan Faircloth and Nathaniel Minor of the Minnesota Star Tribune contributed to this story.)

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