Walz signs executive order to implement weapons screening at Capitol

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    Walz signs order to start weapons screenings at Capitol by Feb. 17 

Gov. Tim Walz on Monday issued an executive order to bring metal detectors and weapons screening to the Minnesota State Capitol ahead of the regular legislative session.

Walz’s order calls for the Department of Public Safety and Minnesota State Patrol to “put in place the equipment and trained personnel necessary to implement weapons screening” by Feb. 17.

The action comes after an independent security audit of the Capitol grounds and a legislative advisory committee each recommended weapons screening, access controls and technological upgrades.

RELATED: Minnesota capitol security assessment finds improvements are needed

RELATED: Minnesota Capitol security committee recommends metal detectors

“Government cannot function effectively when elected officials fear for their safety. In the last year, Minnesota has seen horrific acts of political violence,” Walz said in a statement. “This executive order will make the Capitol — the central seat of Minnesota’s state government — safer, ensuring the people’s house remains open, welcoming, and secure.” 

Money from the Department of Public Safety’s general fund will pay for the new security measures, though it was not immediately clear how much it will cost.

Under state law, permit holders are allowed to bring firearms inside the State Capitol. The executive order does not directly address how security will treat people who are legally carrying a gun.

In a statement, Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis, said weapons screening is necessary after the assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the attempted assassination of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. He announced a separate policy on Monday to ban guns from the Senate Chambers entirely.

“Threats against public officials are disturbingly common, political violence is escalating across the country, and the legislation we debate and vote on often carries heavy emotional weight,” Champion said in a statement. “Restricting firearms from the Senate gallery is in line with legal precedent on sensitive places where constitutionally protected activities occur, including courthouses and schools. I look forward to a productive and respectful session of impassioned, robust debate that can be conducted with peace of mind for all involved.”
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