Mpls. Man Accused Of Breaking Into State Capitol
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A Minneapolis man is facing several charges after he broke into the Minnesota State Capitol Tuesday night, according to Ramsey County officials.
Commotion, disagreements and tense moments aren't anything new at the Capitol, especially during the legislative session, but, what happened a day after lawmakers called it quits was a first.
The 2016 legislative session ended in a chaotic mess. Among many things, Democrats and Republicans were unable to reach an agreement on the transportation package to fund roads and bridges.
Unbeknownst to lawmakers and Capitol police, the chaos was far from over.
Around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night, authorities said 47-year-old Robert Anderson entered the off-limits construction zone, went into the Capitol and posted signs in House Chambers.
Anderson reportedly told the House Assistant Sergeant at Arms he wanted to see a specific Senator. He also allegedly warned her to leave his signs alone.
The Sergeant at Arms feared for her safety, left and called for backup.
When state troopers arrived, they found those hand-written messages, which referenced religion, war on his family and murders. According to court documents, these statements were "cryptic, but disturbing."
It didn't stop there.
They also discovered several papers on a podium pinned in place with a knife.
The papers were later revealed to a be a harassment restraining order issued last month in Washington County against Anderson.
Police checked on the woman mentioned in the court documents who assured them she was safe, as well as her family.
She said the defendant had gone through rehab six months ago for methamphetamine, but added he began acting very strange just a few months ago. She suspected he was back on drugs and requested the restraining order.
Police arrested Anderson at his home in Minneapolis later Tuesday night.
He allegedly admitted that he entered the Capitol through an unlocked door and asked to speak with a Senator and left multiple notes in the chambers, including perhaps the most damning piece of evidence that lead law enforcement to his front door. Police also said he appeared to be very upset over the restraining order against him.
"We've had discussions with the construction company about ensuring that the gates and fences -- the outer perimeter -- are secured," Captain Erick Roeske of the Minnesota State Patrol said. "Because the capitol is a construction zone, it is under the control and responsibility of the construction company."
Anderson has been charged with first and second degree burglary, along with making violent threats. His bail is set at $100,000. His first court appearance in Ramsey County is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.