Security Has Been Tightened As Lawmakers Return to Statehouse

Vermont lawmakers returned on Monday to a Statehouse protected by enhanced security measures in the wake of the weekend shootings of two Minnesota legislators.

Members of the public were steered to a single entrance to the building where their bags were either searched or run through X-ray machines by Capitol Police officers. Lawmakers, meanwhile, were ushered into the building though a separate rear entrance.

“Unfortunately we’re in an era where we can’t take anything for granted,” Rep. Jim Harrison (R-Chittenden) said.

While no explicit threats had been made to the building or lawmakers, a number of factors led to the decision to beef up security as a precaution, Statehouse sergeant at arms Agatha Kessler said.

Gov. Phil Scott was expected to address lawmakers should they finish their work and adjourn for the year, Kessler said. Whenever the governor is in the building for an official speech to lawmakers, such as the inaugural and budget addresses in January, security measures are increased, though not to the level of Monday, she noted.

The screenings of the public also give officers the chance to let people who might plan to protest inside the building know where they can do so, Kessler said. For example, carrying signs is allowed outside the House and Senate chambers but not inside, she said.

“By screening people, we’re trying to have a better understanding of who is actually in the building,” Kessler said.

Migrant Justice has called for a protest on the Statehouse lawn at 6:30 p.m. on Monday to call attention to the detainment of two of its members by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

A number of lawmakers expressed appreciation to Kessler and her staff for the additional measures, she said.

A gunman in Minnesota posing as a police officer went to the home of state Rep. Melissa Hortman and fatally shot her and her husband, Mark. He also went to the home of state Sen. John A. Hoffman and wounded him and his wife, Yvette. The alleged gunman was apprehended on Sunday.

Vermont House Speaker Jill Krowinski (D-Burlington), who has had to deal with her own security threats in the past, issued a statement decrying political divisiveness as a threat to democracy.

“We are witnessing an incredibly divisive time in our country and political violence is not how a nation solves its differences,” she said. “The rhetoric and the words used to target differences of opinion have escalated dramatically, and unfortunately, it has led to violence and the loss of innocent lives.”
Vermont lawmakers used to share their home addresses on the legislature’s website, but a few years ago that became optional. Now many lawmaker bios only list their towns of residence.

This article appears in Jun 11-17, 2025.

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