A man was taken to a hospital for evaluation after being found on the grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol on Saturday morning.The incident occurred as officials are reviewing security measures following recent shootings that targeted lawmakers.
Col. Christina Bogojevic, head of the State Patrol, stated there was no immediate evidence that the man had broken into the Capitol, which is accessible to the public during business hours. Security footage is being reviewed to determine the man’s movements within the building.Bogojevic confirmed the man was nonviolent when discovered and was returned to the hospital for further assessment. “The safety and well-being of everyone who works at and visits the Capitol is our top priority,” Bogojevic said in a statement. “we take this situation seriously and are committed to understanding how it occurred.”
Discussions are underway among legislative and management leaders regarding potential enhancements to Capitol security and lawmaker protection. these discussions follow the June 14 shootings that resulted in the deaths of House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and seriously injured a state senator and his wife. Authorities allege the attacks were carried out by a man impersonating a police officer at their respective homes.
The accused gunman,57-year-old Vance boelter of Green Isle,faces federal and state murder charges,among other counts. His attorney has indicated that Boelter intends to enter a plea of not guilty at his federal arraignment, which has been rescheduled from September 12 to August 7.