Lawmakers question security at Missouri Capitol

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri lawmakers are criticizing Capitol Police for not being transparent enough during emergency situations. 

A bipartisan panel of lawmakers told the chief of the Missouri Capitol Police Thursday they are concerned about their safety inside the statehouse. This comes after threats were made, but the General Assembly said it was not informed.

Now, members are calling for changes to the way the building is secured. 

“These concerns stem from numerous occasions of threats, including bomb threats being made against the state Capitol building, without leadership in either body being notified,” Senate President Cindy O’Laughlin said during the committee hearing.

In one of their first hearings of the year, leaders of both chambers said they are troubled about the gap in information. Lawmakers said they want an immediate update on threats. 

When asked if she feels safe in the Capitol, O’Laughlin said yes.

“We just want to let people know the things that do concern us, and we want to think that we’re well versed in what is expected for us and people who visit the Capitol,” she said. 

Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, chairs the Joint Committee on Capitol Security. 

“Some people in the General Assembly and the staff have raised concerns and issues with that that have potentially hampered the capabilities of members and staff that would like to be efficiently and effectively able to perform and be a part of the solution and of the security apparatus of this building,” Brattin said. 

In a letter signed by O’Laughlin and House Speaker Jon Patterson, R-Lee’s Summit, to Chief Zim Schwartze, they questioned why there’s only one entrance for visitors after the state paid for more than one metal detector. 

“Members of the General Assembly and staff alike have been stopped from entering the building through certain entrances, while some members of the public are not even screened before entering the building,” O’Laughlin said. 

The meeting comes on the heels of Monday’s governor inauguration. Schwartze said a security plan has been in the works for months. 

“It is a very comprehensive plan, and we’ve been meeting regularly, as well as a lot of phone calls and a lot of emails, and a lot of information has been shared,” Schwartze said. 

Under current rules, people who have a concealed carry permit are allowed to enter the Capitol with a firearm but cannot be in any legislative meeting rooms or in the House or Senate chambers. 

The committee plans to meet again in the coming weeks.