Security probe ordered at the Minnesota Capitol following recent breach originally appeared on Bring Me The News.
Security measures at the Minnesota Capitol are being scrutinized following a recent breach by a man who was experiencing a mental health crisis.
The Minnesota State Patrol announced on Tuesday that it will hire an outside firm to conduct a security assessment at the Capitol complex. The police force, an arm of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, provides 24/7 security throughout the 20-building campus.
The State Patrol says it was already conducting an internal review and implementing additional safety measures, including an increased police presence, following the politically motivated assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shooting of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, on June 14.
But last weekend's breach revealed the need for a third-party security assessment as well, according to local safety officials.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Minnesota State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogojevic said the department is now "redoubling" its efforts to protect "the people's house."
"This is about bringing fresh eyes and objectivity to a place that holds great meaning for Minnesotans,” she said. "In addition to that third-party assessment and our own internal review, there have been discussions and questions about metal detectors, increased officer presence and additional protections around the Capitol. Those important conversations will continue."
The St. Paul Police Department, Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, Metro Transit, and the Sergeant-At-Arms Office also assist with Capitol security. The Legislature recently approved a $3 million grant for the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office for public safety efforts around the Capitol.
Currently, members of the Capitol's security team monitor more than 105,000 alarm and automation points and almost 1,000 security cameras. Additional technology and staff could be implemented as a result of the probe.
Bogojevic pointed out that many officers working at the Capitol have undergone crisis intervention training "to ensure they can take the correct approach when dealing with those in a mental health crisis."
Charges for man found in Capitol
Dominic Peace, 36, of Minneapolis, was charged Tuesday with 2nd-degree burglary in a government building.
Ramsey County prosecutors allege that Peace used a wooden wedge to prop open an exterior mechanical door to the Capitol last Friday around 2:30 p.m., when the building was open to the public, which allowed him to gain access after hours that evening.
Peace was naked in the Senate chamber when officers found him at about 11:30 p.m. Friday, according to a criminal complaint.
Peace allegedly told officers that he's the governor, that the Capitol is his house, and that he's lived there all his life. Authorities state he appeared to be in an "altered state of mind."
Officers determined that Peace was nonviolent and needed to be taken to the hospital for a mental health assessment.
According to the complaint, Peace was arrested Saturday just before 7:30 p.m. when he returned to the Capitol for the third time in less than 24 hours after twice being released from the hospital.
Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said on Tuesday that "the justice system should not always be the first step" when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis and in need of medical care.
"Mr. Peace was in a place where he certainly needed medical evaluation," he said.
Officials stressed their continued commitment to keeping the Capitol accessible to visitors, kids on field trips, protestors and other members of the public in a way that also keeps everyone safe.
"Balancing openness with security is never easy, but it's a responsibility we take seriously and constantly evaluate," Bogojevic said. "We are standing with everyone taking this seriously. And that includes lawmakers calling for more robust protections."
The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security is expected to discuss additional security measures, like reducing the number of entrances and adding weapons screening, during its next meeting on Aug. 20.
Watch the full press conference from Tuesday:
This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
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