Visitors to the Illinois Statehouse, whether to observe lawmakers in action or to tour the historic building, should prepare for longer lines at security during the upcoming legislative sessions.
In response to a notable rise in potential threats to lawmakers and the public, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’s office has introduced new emergency regulations. These rules mandate that nearly all individuals entering the Statehouse or any facility within the Illinois Capitol Complex undergo security screening.
In April, the Capitol was locked down for about an hour while police responded to a bomb threat, leading to the arrest of a suspect the following month. So far in 2024, the Secretary of State Police Department has dealt with 17 threats to the Capitol, nearly double the number reported in any year since 2018.
There have also been specific threats against individual legislators. In September, a man was arrested after threatening to assassinate Representative Jeff Keicher. Additionally, on December 9th, Representative Barbara Hernandez reported that an employee in her district office became ill after opening mail, resulting in a hospital visit and an evacuation of the building while emergency services responded.
In October, a security consultant advised the Secretary of State’s office to expand the group required to pass through security screening, now including everyone except lawmakers, state employees, and elected officials. This change means that lobbyists, vendors, and members of the media, who previously enjoyed unrestricted access, must now go through security.
To alleviate congestion, a “TSA Express-style” screening area has been established at the east entrance for those who had previously been exempt from security checks.
Lawmakers are expected to reconvene at the Statehouse on January 2nd for a brief lame duck session, with the regular 2025 session commencing on January 8th.
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