Minnesota Lawmakers Shot, Capitol Security Urged

Following the fatal shootings of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the serious wounding of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher is urging enhanced security at the Minnesota State Capitol. Fletcher has called for installing metal detectors and electronic screening at multiple public entry points, citing increasing political violence. The Capitol remains one of the few nationwide without such measures, prompting concern among lawmakers like Rep. John Huot who say screening is overdue. The attacks have intensified debate about balancing public accessibility with safety, as well as about which individuals should be screened and how emergency responses should be coordinated. State officials are considering these recommendations and discussing improved protocols. Nationally, other states have also increased Capitol security following similar incidents.