This week’s attack on the Canadian Parliament building raises questions about security at all government buildings.
On Wednesday, a lone gunman shot and killed a soldier standing guard at the national war memorial in Ottawa. The gunman was later shot and killed inside the parliament building.
The Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing relies heavily on security personnel. Other buildings in the state Capitol complex have barriers in place limiting public access.
Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue is the director of the Michigan State Police. She says it’s important to ensure people have access to the state Capitol building.
“We want it to be a safe experience for everyone,” Etue says.“Not only for our legislators who are there, but for the kids who come to visit, families who come to the Capitol, we just have to keep it safe.”
Etue says Capitol security has been stepped up in recent years, though she says no specific security upgrades have taken place this week.
Etue says the Michigan State Police is in contact with federal law enforcement agencies to be aware of potential threats.
