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Minnesota Capitol Cuts Entrances, Strengthens Access Controls

Officials argue that tighter controls responding to last month’s breaches will be refined after an expert audit.

Overview

  • Starting Aug. 6, the Department of Public Safety has reduced public access from three entrances to two and limited open doors from 14 to four during business hours.
  • All other entry points now require key-card authorization and visitors using the Senate Building tunnel must arrange escorted passage through security dispatch.
  • Lt. Col. Jeremy Geiger has been elevated to oversee Capitol security operations, increasing uniformed officer presence and centralizing decision-making.
  • A third-party security consultant was hired on July 29 and its ongoing assessment will inform further protocol adjustments.
  • The Minnesota Legislature’s advisory committee on Capitol security will meet later this month to review the expert report and recommend additional enhancements.