ST. PAUL —  New security measures at the Minnesota State Capitol, including fewer public entrances and increased security presence in those areas, will go into place starting Wednesday morning.   

Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commissioner Bob Jacobson approved the Minnesota State Patrol's recommendations this week.  

“The Capitol is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of democracy and a place where Minnesotans come to be heard,” Jacobson said. “These updated security measures reflect our responsibility and commitment to protecting everyone who works at or visits the Capitol while keeping the building open and accessible to all. We remain committed to continuously reviewing and improving security protocols.” 

Two entrances with a total of four doors located on the south side of the Capitol building will be open during regular business hours.  

• The main south entrance at the top of the Capitol steps through the far-left (west) set of two doors. 

• The ground-level accessible entrance beneath the Capitol steps through the middle set of two doors. 

Prior to these new security measures, the Capitol building had three public entrances with 14 total doors open during business hours. Regular business hours remain from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The Capitol remains closed to the general public on Sundays.  

Access from the Minnesota Senate Building ramp to the Capitol will now be restricted to key card holders. Visitors who require accessible parking in the Minnesota Senate Building ramp will need to request a Capitol Security escort to enter the Capitol through the tunnel by calling dispatch. View a map of the public entrances. 

In addition, Capitol Security officers will have an increased presence at both public entrances.  All other access points to the Capitol building during public hours are restricted to key card entry only. Those who currently have security badges or key cards can continue to use the entrances they normally do.  

“We are always evaluating options to balance public access and security at the Capitol,” said Col. Christina Bogojevic, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol. “We will continue working with all stakeholders to develop additional recommendations in the weeks and months ahead. Our goal is to enhance safety at the Capitol while ensuring it remains a welcoming place for all Minnesotans.” 

In addition to these measures, Lt. Col. Jeremy Geiger will oversee Capitol Security more directly. This adjustment elevates Capitol Security within the State Patrol's organizational structure, ensuring that swift and decisive actions can be taken when necessary. By streamlining the chain of command, the State Patrol enhances the efficiency and responsiveness of security operations at the Capitol. 

State Patrol and Capitol Security officials also have worked with the Department of Administration to ensure that all doors at the Capitol are properly set with alarms. The State Patrol continues to address technology advancements on the Capitol grounds, along with expanding its communications center capabilities. These steps are in line with the State Patrol’s commitment to not wait for the upcoming third-party Capitol security assessment before making any needed changes.   

The State Patrol will continue to reevaluate any recommendations, including those from the upcoming independent Capitol security assessment, along with input from the Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security, the sergeants-at-arms, legislators and others.  

The Minnesota State Patrol — a division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety — is responsible for 24/7 on-site security at the Capitol complex, which includes monitoring nearly 1,000 security cameras across the 20 buildings, 24 parking facilities, parks, and open spaces that make up the Capitol complex.