Plan your visit to the Minnesota State Capitol
State Capitol security screening: What to know
Under an executive order from the Minnesota Governor, weapons screening is in place at the Capitol during the 2026 legislative session to enhance public safety for visitors, staff and officials. The screening process is designed to reduce preventable risks while keeping the building open and accessible to the public.
This memo from Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson provides more details.
What visitors can expect
Visitors entering the Capitol will pass through weapons screening similar to what is used at other large public venues and government buildings.
- Staff and visitors walk through screening equipment at public entrances.
- Bags, purses, briefcases and other larger items will go through a bag scanner. Most items can remain inside.
- To help keep this process moving, visitors are encouraged to remove laptops and other large electronic devices before screening. Laptops may remain in bags but could require additional screening.
- Everyday items such as a phone, keys or a wallet will generally not have to be removed from pockets unless additional screening is required.
- Most people move through screening in seconds, though additional screening may be required if an item cannot be identified.
Signs and trained staff will guide visitors through the process.
Anyone who refuses screening will not be permitted to enter the building.
Prohibited items will not be stored. Anyone with a prohibited item will not be able to enter the building with it.
Be aware that other parts of the building may have further security measures and restrictions.
Entrances and screening locations
Weapons screening will take place at four locations at the Capitol. These are the only four public entrances to the building:
Primary public entrance:
- Main south entrance underneath the Capitol steps
Additional entrances:
- Tunnel from the Minnesota Senate Building
- Tunnel from the State Office Building (Lot C)
- Tunnel from the Minnesota Judicial Center
These entrances and screening areas are ADA accessible. This map shows where these entrances are located. The entrances can also be seen on the Capitol complex map.
Capitol Security staff are available to assist visitors with disabilities, medical devices, strollers or service animals.
Planning your visit
Visitors are encouraged to:
- Allow extra time when entering the Capitol, especially during busy periods.
Carry fewer large items when possible.
Follow instructions from screening staff to help the screening process move quickly.
Prohibited items
Weapons and dangerous items: Firearms unless authorized, explosives, ammunition, knives, blunt-force objects, clubs, batons and items deemed dangerous by security. Dangerous weapons are defined in Minnesota statute.
Contraband: Illegal substances and alcohol.
Event or protest items: Balloons, spray paint, spray chalk, sidewalk chalk, tape including duct, gaffer’s or masking tape, and candles or open flames.
Firearms and screening
Under current law, people with a valid permit to carry may bring a pistol into the Capitol.
- Long guns are not allowed inside the building.
- Visitors who are legally carrying a pistol are asked to inform staff before entering the screening area.
- Firearms should not be removed or displayed during screening.
- Security staff will verify a valid permit to carry along with a government-issued ID.
- Anyone who attempts to bring a firearm into the Capitol without a valid permit may face arrest.
General public hours for the Capitol building
- To support consistent operations, the Capitol’s general public closing time has been adjusted to 4:30 p.m. each weekday.
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When floor sessions or committee meetings extend beyond posted public hours, screening and designated public entrances will remain available so members of the public may continue to participate in the democratic process.
Frequently asked questions about weapons screening
If you see something, say something
Visitors, state officials and Capitol employees all play a role in maintaining a safe environment. Anyone who sees something concerning is encouraged to contact Capitol Security at 651-296-2100.
