Virginia Capitol Police disclose minimal details on possible enhanced precautions for ‘security reasons’ since Minnesota shooting

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Division of Capitol Police are taking the temperature of Virginia lawmakers after the Minnesota shooting that killed a lawmaker and her husband, and injured a senator and his wife.  

Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot while Democratic Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were wounded. They were shot in their own homes -- reportedly by a man impersonating law enforcement. 

Capitol Police are mostly keeping their lips sealed, and that’s what they think is best for security purposes.   

“What happened in Minnesota was absolutely tragic," said Division of Capitol Police public relations specialist Caroline Frye.

In a statement from the division, they extended condolences to the Minnesota victims and said they are "constantly monitoring events nationwide and are actively engaged to ensure the safety of stakeholders, legislatures, citizens, and visitors of the commonwealth.”  

As for Virginia lawmakers specifically, “We’ve absolutely been in contact with leadership, but for security reasons we can’t disclose any specifics," Frye said. 

Frye also said she can't reveal what Capitol Police have said to these elected officials over the past few days or if more have been reaching out for increased security given the circumstances surrounding the shooting.  

“I can ensure that we’re actively talking and reviewing, and we’re engaged to ensure the safety of all of our legislators," Frye said.  “We absolutely hope that nothing like this ever happens again in the future.”   

8News also spoke to retired chief of the Division Michael Jones. He served for 27 years.  

He said security personnel at state capitols across the country are on high alert, especially for copycat incidents. 

"I am confident that these professionals are actively engaged in ensuring the safety of our state capitols," Jones said. "Our capitols are safe but Capitol Police nationwide are on high alert as a precautionary measure."