Minnesota Governor Raises Capitol Security Concerns After Repeat Intruder

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and state officials are addressing serious security concerns at the Minnesota State Capitol following a recent incident where a naked man breached the Capitol grounds multiple times before being taken into custody. The man entered through an open access point that did not trigger alarms, highlighting vulnerabilities in the Capitol's security system, which currently lacks metal detectors and comprehensive camera coverage, especially in sensitive areas like the Senate chamber. Lawmakers, including House Speaker Lisa Demuth and Senate Majority Leader Mark Johnson, expressed outrage over the delayed arrest and demanded accountability, while Walz emphasized the challenge of balancing open governance traditions with the need for increased protection. The Minnesota State Patrol plans to hire an independent security firm to conduct a thorough assessment, prompted by this incident and the politically-motivated shootings of state lawmakers Melissa and Mark Hortman, and John and Yvette Hoffman. Senator Heather Gustafson has also called for an independent review of security practices, including how recent threats and breaches have been handled. Governor Walz supports potential changes such as funneling visitors through controlled entry points and adding more surveillance to safeguard legislators and the public.