Heightened Capitol Security After Minnesota Assassination

In June 2025, Rep. Melissa Hortman, Democratic speaker-designate of the Minnesota House, and her husband were killed in St. Paul; the gunman later shot Sen. John Hoffman nine times and attacked other lawmakers.

Locked Capitol doors and more cash for security are the new normal after Minnesota assassination

The killings followed the September 2024 murder of activist Charlie Kirk in Utah and a series of attacks on officials. In response, 25 states now allow campaign funds for security; 11 have statutes. Alabama, Oregon, Nebraska and Utah enacted laws in 2024.

UsNews and World Report

Minnesota Democrats Julie Green and John Hoffman propose a State Patrol unit to protect legislators, officials and justices. Colorado’s HB-1422 creates a security administrator and labels lawmakers “protected persons.” Tennessee’s Jack Johnson advanced Bill 1504, creating a Capitol Protection Zone with arrest-authorized officers.

Locked Capitol doors and more cash for security are the new normal after Minnesota assassination

Twenty-five states permit campaign-funded security, 11 with statutes; Alabama, Oregon, Nebraska and Utah added laws in 2024. Federal committees spent over $40 million on security in 2023-24. The NCSL’s $1.5 million fund is used by >30 states. Alaska installed detectors; Wisconsin lacks them.

Locked Capitol doors and more cash for security are the new normal after Minnesota assassination

Officials contend that stronger Capitol security is vital to prevent governmental disruption, protect democratic functions, and restore public confidence after a surge in political violence.

The Tennessean

NCSL spokesperson Katie Ziegler said the $1.5 million fund “helps legislatures cover personal-safety costs while lawmakers are away.” VoteMama called the security surge a direct reaction. Public Service Alliance noted a five-fold rise in federal campaign security spending.

Locked Capitol doors and more cash for security are the new normal after Minnesota assassination

Wisconsin Speaker Robin Vos (R) opposed metal detectors, saying he didn’t want to “fortify” the Capitol. Colorado’s Jeff Roberts warned HB-1422 could curb transparency. Tennessee’s Heidi Campbell said the protection zone may preempt local law enforcement.

The Tennessean

Minnesota’s Capitol now locks most doors and uses two weapon detectors for gallery entry. Alaska’s Capitol has a single detector. Colorado’s security administrator would coordinate threat assessments with the State Patrol. Tennessee’s zone covers the Capitol, annexes, Supreme Court and grounds, granting arrest powers.

The Tennessean

One source lists 11 capitols without detectors; another suggests a higher count. Reports also differ on whether “25 states” or “about a dozen pending bills” describe security legislation.

Locked Capitol doors and more cash for security are the new normal after Minnesota assassination

> “It’s important for us to be able to not have our government fall apart if our legislators are under threat,” — Julie Green, Minnesota House Democrat

Locked Capitol doors and more cash for security are the new normal after Minnesota assassination

> “keep elected officials and Supreme Court justices safe and dedicate the resources necessary and hopefully stop future tragedies from happening.” — John Hoffman, Minnesota Democrat

Locked Capitol doors and more cash for security are the new normal after Minnesota assassination

> “We live in a time now that is different now than 45 years ago,” — Jack Johnson, Tennessee Republican

The Tennessean

Minnesota’s security-unit proposal faces a June committee vote. Colorado’s HB-1422 will be heard next week. Tennessee’s zone takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Bills in a dozen states aim to codify campaign-fund security.

Denver Post