Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher is calling for tighter security measures - including metal detectors - at the Minnesota State Capitol after violence aimed at Minnesota politicians claimed the life of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and also seriously injured State Sen. John Hoffman.
In a letter sent last week to Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and the Capitol Security Committee, Fletcher offered assistance in developing protocols he believes would enhance safety on the capitol grounds.
Fletcher tells WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman that now is the time to act.
"Let's just face it, political violence in this country is more polarized than it's ever been in decades, and there's certain actors that are willing to commit political violence and threats and intimidation," Fletcher explains. "And we have to face the reality that our job is to protect the people inside that building."
Fletcher says he believes members of the general public should be subject to electronic screening prior to entering the capitol.
"Really, at a minimum, let's just agree the general public with large bags should be screened both with metal detectors and bags can be searched manually. Or, can be searched electronically. There's tremendous advances in metal detection," Fletcher notes.
Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered inside the Brooklyn Park home last month. Hoffman and his wife were also shot and injured with Hoffman just now getting out of the hospital and is now recovering in a transitional care unit according to his family.