Story perspectives

Capitols Install Metal Detectors After Lawmaker Assassination, $40 M Security Spending

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

State capitols are installing metal detectors and locking doors after a surge in political violence.
Rep. Melissa Hortman was assassinated in Minnesota in June 2025, leaving her House speaker’s desk empty.
Twenty-five states now allow candidates to spend campaign money on security, with federal political committees reporting over $40 million in security expenses during the 2023-24 cycle and Minnesota legislators proposing a State Patrol unit to protect lawmakers and officials.

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Story summary

State capitols are installing metal detectors and locking doors after a surge in political violence.
Rep. Melissa Hortman was assassinated in Minnesota in June 2025, leaving her House speaker’s desk empty.
Twenty-five states now allow candidates to spend campaign money on security, with federal political committees reporting over $40 million in security expenses during the 2023-24 cycle and Minnesota legislators proposing a State Patrol unit to protect lawmakers and officials.