(ST. PAUL, Minn.) – In the wake of the June 14 attack targeting Minnesota legislators and a recent after-hours breach of the Senate Chamber, Senator Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights) has formally requested an independent investigation by the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) to review Capitol security and rapid response protocols.
The request calls for a full after-action report examining how emergency information was shared, what security measures were in place, and what improvements are needed to better protect legislators and staff, both inside and outside the Capitol.
“We are public servants, but we are also people—with families, staff, and communities who count on us to be safe,” said Senator Gustafson. “We need a clear-eyed, independent look at what worked, what didn’t, and how we move forward.”
The review would assess the response timelines and communication practices of relevant agencies and legislative leadership, including protocols that govern notification of elected officials in the event of a threat or active danger.
“This is not about blame,” Senator Gustafson emphasized. “It’s about learning the right lessons and putting safeguards in place to ensure no one has to question their safety while serving at the Capitol.”
The request to OLA urges transparency and bipartisan cooperation in evaluating the events surrounding both the targeted attacks and recent security breach, and in implementing clear, actionable recommendations for future readiness.
###
Learn more about Sen. Gustafson.
