Weapons screening at Minnesota State Capitol in place during 2026 legislative session
Feb. 13, 2026
ST. PAUL — Weapons screening will begin Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Minnesota State Capitol building in accordance with Executive Order 26-02 signed by Governor Walz in January. The order requires the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to implement screening at the Capitol during the 2026 legislative session to enhance public safety for visitors, staff and state officials while keeping the building open and accessible to the public.
“This space belongs to the people of Minnesota and everyone should feel safe and secure,” said Col. Christina Bogojevic, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol. “We’re committed to keeping this historic symbol of our state open and accessible while taking steps to reduce preventable risks.”
Weapons screening is designed to detect firearms, explosives and other dangerous items before they enter crowded public buildings. Screening helps reduce risks associated with intentional harm, accidental firearm discharge and people bringing weapons into government spaces during moments of heightened emotion or conflict.
A recent independent security assessment found that at least 37 states use screening tools at state capitol entrances. That assessment also noted Minnesota was among the states with the least restrictive entry policies in place.
“This building belongs to Minnesotans. It is where students take their first tour of government, where families visit, where advocacy groups gather, and where elected officials do the people’s work. Any change to how people enter this space matters,” Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said. “We approach this step with respect for the public, with awareness of the grief and fear many have felt over the past year, and with a commitment to keeping this building both safe and welcoming.”
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:
- 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
The screening entrances are ADA accessible, and Capitol Security staff are available to assist people with disabilities, medical devices, strollers or service animals. This map shows where these entrances are located. The entrances can also be seen on the Capitol complex map.
Different levels of security or restrictions may be in place in various parts of the Capitol building.
What visitors can expect
Visitors entering the Capitol will pass through weapons screening similar to what is used at many other government buildings or large public venues.
The screening process will use two systems:
- Visitor screening: People entering the Capitol will pass through a screening system that uses advanced technology. It can detect concealed threats and distinguish them from many common items, such as a phone or keys. In many cases, visitors can be screened in seconds without removing everyday items or stopping for individual checks.
- Bag screening: X-ray machines will be used to screen bags, purses, briefcases and other carried items.
Signs and trained staff will guide visitors through this process.
“Weapons screening is not a cure-all, but it is a best practice safety layer,” Col. Bogojevic said, adding that screening is part of a broader, layered security approach that includes trained personnel, situational awareness, monitoring systems and clear response protocols. “No single measure eliminates every threat. Security is up to every person who visits the Capitol grounds.”
Visitors, state officials and Capitol employees also all play an important role in maintaining a safe environment. Anyone who sees something concerning is encouraged to say something by calling 911 or contacting Capitol Security at 651-296-2100.
Permitted firearms, prohibited items
Under current law, people with a valid permit to carry may bring a pistol into the Capitol building. Long guns are not allowed inside the building.
- Visitors who are legally carrying a pistol should inform staff before entering the screening area.
- Firearms should not be removed or displayed during screening.
- Security will verify a valid permit to carry with a government-issued ID.
Anyone who attempts to bring a firearm into the Capitol without a valid permit may face arrest.
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/protest items: Balloons, spray paint, spray chalk, sidewalk chalk, tape (duct, gaffers, masking), and candles or open flames.
Anyone with prohibited items will not be allowed into the building. There is not a storage area for prohibited items.
Planning visits
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.
Public hours
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To support consistent operations, the Capitol’s general public closing time has been adjusted to 4:30 p.m. each weekday. Weekend hours are unchanged.
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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.
Screening area inside the main south entrance beneath the Capitol steps.