Gov. Tim Walz orders weapons screening at Minnesota Capitol ahead of upcoming session
Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order Monday requiring weapons and hazardous materials screening at the Minnesota Capitol for the 2026 legislative session.
The order comes after an independent Capitol security assessment and The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security recommended weapons screening on Capitol grounds. The proposal on permanent security upgrades could come up for debate in the session that starts on Feb. 17.
The change will subject people coming into the building to enhanced screening. However, state law protects the ability of people with valid gun carry permits to have firearms inside the building.
In the order, Walz cites the killing of DFL Rep. Melissa Hortman, a former House speaker, and her husband, Mark, as well as the shootings of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, as the reason for increased scrutiny of Capitol security.
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/26/gov-tim-walz-orders-weapons-screening-at-minnesota-capitol-ahead-of-upcoming-session