LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Security upgrades at the Arkansas State Capitol are being put into place in the wake of a deadly shooting involving a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband. The tragic incident, which also left another lawmaker and his wife injured in a separate attack, has underscored the growing concerns around safety in state government buildings.
While Arkansas officials say their security plans were already in motion, the urgency has intensified.
Back in March, the Joint Budget Committee endorsed an appropriations bill that included a $3 million request from the Secretary of State’s Office to enhance Capitol security. The funding aims to support new equipment, additional personnel, and advanced training measures.
“We have a plan for when the worst happens,” said Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester. “We are completely prepared to look evil in the face and win.”
Capitol Police Chief David Huggs said the department has already added more than a dozen new officers and created a dedicated training division to sharpen readiness across the board.
“We’ve made significant advancements to our surveillance capabilities,” Huggs said. “Those are the main things we’ve done—create a training division to help heighten guys’ skills.”
Despite the upgrades, both Jester and Huggs say the goal is not to make the Capitol feel intimidating, but instead to create a balance between public access and preparedness.
“We will have steps in a variety of manners that make sure threats are arrested,” Jester said, “while people who are just coming here to explore the Capitol don’t even notice. That’s our goal—quiet, effective security.”
With upgraded screening equipment, expanded officer training, and what officials describe as a “detailed, proactive plan,” leaders hope the Arkansas Capitol remains both safe and open for everyone.