New barriers, other security measures to protect Utah Capitol


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SALT LAKE CITY — More than two years after a man drove his truck up the west steps of the state Capitol, new concrete-filled barriers are being installed outside building entrances throughout the grounds.

"We've seen some bizarre behavior," said Gov. Gary Herbert, who ordered a security review after the October 2013 incident involving a man who told authorities he was advocating for the legalization of marijuana.

The governor said ensuring public safety at the Capitol complex is a top priority, especially at time when "we've become a society where government buildings have a become a potential target."

More recently, a man whose legal name is Cameron Carl Crimefighter claimed he left a package containing an unoaded semiautomatic rifle in the Capitol rotunda to protest gun violence.

Utah Highway Patrol Capt. Jess Anderson, who oversees security at the Capitol, said the highly publicized image of a truck driving up the Capitol steps was a wake-up call that security measures being discussed needed to be implemented.

"We learned from that incident how vulnerable we were and how quick things could change," Anderson said. "That just so happened to be the catalyst for pushing us in the right direction."

While the only damage done that day was to the steps, the trooper said getting a vehicle that close to the building entrance could have inflicted significant harm on those working in the Capitol, as well as visitors.

"We got very lucky that day," Anderson said. "That could have been very bad."

The more recent suspicious package that caused an evacuation of the Capitol has had a similar effect, he said, declining to be specific about other changes in security in the works other than deploying troopers in the buildings differently.

"They'll see troopers being vigilant and walking around," Anderson said, sometimes stopping to ask visitors security-related questions. "We just want to make sure the people feel safe."

Metal tubes filled with concrete described as bollards have been put into place in recent weeks to stop vehicles from approaching the buildings that house offices for state officials, including the governor and lawmakers.

"It is a little bit sad in a way. We have such a beautiful campus," Anderson said. "But at the same time, it's very rewarding to know these measures that we're taking now, they will prevent anyone from ever destroying or hurting the building, or causing damage to people in the vicinity."

Allyson Gamble, executive director of the Capitol Preservation Board that oversees the complex, said the erection of the new barriers doesn't seem to be affecting the many visitors who come for tours and events.

"People aren't noticing," Gamble said. "We're operations as usual on Capitol Hill."

Photo: Jeffrey Allred/Deseret News
Photo: Jeffrey Allred/Deseret News

She said the Capitol expects to have hosted 150,000 visitors by the end of the year, including those attending some 4,300 events ranging from political rallies to weddings and high school proms.

"I think the Capitol Preservation Board has always been a big supporters of having an open Capitol with access to all, making people feel welcome and encouraged to come," Gamble said, referring to the stately building as "The People's House."

Her predecessor, David Hart, the architect of the $250 million restoration and seismic retrofitting of the Capitol, said what's important is that even with the enhanced security measures, the public's access hasn't changed.

Hart said other states, including South Carolina, have closed some entrances to their state Capitol buildings and installed screening devices similar to those used at airports.

"You can do things too extreme. You can lock the doors. You can put in (metal detectors)," he said, and "make it just a nightmare for anyone to get in the buildings. … That's a sad and dangerous thing to occur."

During the four-year Capitol project, Hart said installing bollards was discussed, but the decision was made to rely on now seldom-used guard stations in the east and west parking lots to protect the historic building.

"It's the embodiment of the First Amendment," Hart said of the Capitol, set to mark its 100th anniversary next year. "It's a living building. It should change. It should adjust."

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