Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has signed an executive order requiring all individuals entering the state Capitol building in St. Paul to undergo weapons screening, starting from the first day of the 2026 legislative session on February 17.
The move comes after a recent advisory report recommended new security measures following a series of violent incidents at the Capitol, including the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as shootings targeting two state senators. The violence highlighted the need for increased security, with Governor Walz stating that "government cannot function effectively when elected officials fear for their safety."
The order does not specify what types of screening will be in place, but it directs the Minnesota State Patrol to install equipment and train personnel necessary for the new requirement. The state Department of Public Safety will have discretion over the exact security measures to implement.
The Senate is also taking steps to boost security, with plans to require all members of the public to pass through a full-body scanner before entering the observation area above the floor where lawmakers gather to vote. Additionally, the Senate will ban firearms from being carried in the gallery.
While some lawmakers had called for more security measures at the Capitol, including a ban on firearms, Governor Walz's order has been widely praised by Democratic leaders, with House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson saying that it's "personal" and necessary to ensure public safety.
The move is seen as a response to concerns over gun violence at the state Capitol and comes after an independent review recommended new security measures. However, Republican lawmakers have expressed opposition to increased restrictions on firearms, including Representative Jim Nash and Senator Warren Limmer.
It remains to be seen how the new security orders will impact the public's right to carry weapons in the Capitol, with some groups, such as the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, saying they plan to review legal options to ensure that permit holders are not infringed upon.
The move comes after a recent advisory report recommended new security measures following a series of violent incidents at the Capitol, including the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as shootings targeting two state senators. The violence highlighted the need for increased security, with Governor Walz stating that "government cannot function effectively when elected officials fear for their safety."
The order does not specify what types of screening will be in place, but it directs the Minnesota State Patrol to install equipment and train personnel necessary for the new requirement. The state Department of Public Safety will have discretion over the exact security measures to implement.
The Senate is also taking steps to boost security, with plans to require all members of the public to pass through a full-body scanner before entering the observation area above the floor where lawmakers gather to vote. Additionally, the Senate will ban firearms from being carried in the gallery.
While some lawmakers had called for more security measures at the Capitol, including a ban on firearms, Governor Walz's order has been widely praised by Democratic leaders, with House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson saying that it's "personal" and necessary to ensure public safety.
The move is seen as a response to concerns over gun violence at the state Capitol and comes after an independent review recommended new security measures. However, Republican lawmakers have expressed opposition to increased restrictions on firearms, including Representative Jim Nash and Senator Warren Limmer.
It remains to be seen how the new security orders will impact the public's right to carry weapons in the Capitol, with some groups, such as the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, saying they plan to review legal options to ensure that permit holders are not infringed upon.
I mean, I get it, safety first and all that, but at the same time, shouldn't we be able to express our opinions and participate in our democracy without going through some kind of metal detector? 
It's like, what's next? Screening every single person who wants to attend a rally or protest? 
What's the real reason behind these new security measures, do you think? Is it really just about safety or is there something more going on? 
, I mean who wants to walk into a place where someone's life is literally at risk? 
It's about time we take security seriously and make sure our elected officials can do their job without having to worry about being shot or assaulted 
. Of course, it's gonna be a hassle for gun owners, but safety first, you know? 
. I get it, though - you can't have elected officials fearing for their lives while trying to make laws 
I don't know, man... it's a bit of an uneasy feeling having to go through body scanners just to watch some politicians vote 
. Can't we find a happy medium or something? 
And what about people with permits? Will they still be able to carry their guns in the Capitol? That's a big question mark for me... 
. and what about all the times when we need to feel safe from actual threats? shouldn't that take priority over some politician's personal feelings? 
. anyway, it'll be interesting to see how this plays out in court and how much of a headache it causes for law-abiding citizens who just wanna participate in our democracy 
. But at the same time, I feel like we're losing some of our freedom, you know? Like, I get that guns are a serious issue, but do we really need to be screened every time we go to the Capitol? It just seems kinda... invasive 
.
. I mean, Governor Walz is trying to protect people, and that's something we should all be behind 
.
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