Could it happen here? It already has

Posted on January 7, 2021

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Could it happen here? It already has.

The shooting death of state Capitol security guard Bill Wozniak in 2004 led to creation of a Capitol police force under the auspices of the Illinois secretary of state’s office.

“Because there was an incident (Wednesday), nationally, that obviously drew a lot of attention to security through the country in all the state capitols,” said Henry Haupt, a spokesman for the secretary of state’s office, “it’s in the public’s mind that every capitol needs to have a high level of security. But the Capitol Police always say every day requires them to remain vigilant.”

Senators are at the Capitol for Friday and Saturday’s lame duck session and next week’s inauguration. House members will meet at the nearby Bank of Springfield Center, with State Police providing security there.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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