Security Changes Coming to Capitol

State leaders have agreed to tighten security at the state capitol after 24-year-old Fausto Cardenas fired shots outside the building in January. Governor Perry, Lt. Governor Dewhurst, and Speaker Straus all gave their approval for the changes.

The three notified the Department of Public Safety of their approval of the changes in a letter sent last week. The changes include the addition of more bike patrols, additional K-9 units, and the installation of a mass notification system.

Adding metal detectors to the capitol was also part of the agency’s plan, but the governor did not support it.

A public hearing on the issue is set for March 22.