Overview
- Bloomington police announced a new Executive Protection Unit, described as the first dedicated team of its kind in Minnesota.
- Chief Booker Hodges said the move responds to rising political violence, citing attacks on elected officials, the killing of activist Charlie Kirk, attempts on President Donald Trump, and the 2025 killings of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband.
- Officers assigned to the team completed advanced instruction in threat assessment, protective intelligence, advance planning, and close protection through the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service.
- The unit will conduct threat evaluations, provide security for public officials and high-profile events, and coordinate operations with local, state, and federal partners.
- Hodges noted a sharp rise in reported threats to Minnesota lawmakers—18 in 2024, 93 in 2025, and 78 so far this year—which has the legislature debating more security funding at the Capitol and for off-site protection.