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Security stepped up as Capitol reopens

Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News

Published July 17, 2007 at midnight

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Visitors and regulars at the state Capitol endured heightened security this morning, a day after a trooper shot and killed an armed gunman outside the governor's office.

"What else are you going to do?" said Sen. Jack Taylor, R-Steamboat Springs, after he walked through a metal detector at the Capitol's north door, the only entrance open today.

"In times like this, it's something we've got to do," he said.

In addition, the door to the lobby in Gov. Bill Ritter's office will remained locked through the week, with a state trooper letting visitors in and out.

Normally, visitors can enter the Capitol through any door and wander into the governor's reception area and take a seat.

The Capitol's openness surprised a recent visitor to Colorado, who toured the Capitol with Eric Bergman, of the Department of Local Affairs. Bergman today dropped off yellow lilies for the governor's staff.

"My heart goes out to them," he said, naming off several staffers he knows. "You know, they are thinking 'What if?' What if I had walked out at that time? What if?'"

The governor was to meet with his staff at 9:30 this morning.

Many Capitol workers, from legislative aides to receptionists, stopped by the Colorado State Patrol's office in the Capitol basement to offer their thanks for the continued protection the agency provides and to inquire about Trooper Jay Hemphill, who shot the gunman.

Sen. Nancy Spence, R-Centennial, called Hemphill a "hero" for his efforts.

Hemphill has worked for the governor's security detail for at least eight years. Last month he was reassigned within that detail to the slot working security for the governor's office.

When the gunman entered the governor's reception area on Monday, Hemphill pushed a button indicating an officer needs help. A receptionist also pushed a button requesting help.

In a twist of irony, the State Patrol confirmed with Capitol staffers today that their meeting on how to handle an evacuation if necessary is still planned for 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

The Capitol was evacuated Monday after the shooting.

One example of heightened security today came when the State Patrol was called after a backpack was found outside a door. It turned out to belong to a Capitol janitorial crew member.

Capitol open today

• Metal detectors will be used at the north entrance. All other entrances will be closed.

Staff writers David Montero, Lynn Bartels and Joanne Kelley contributed to this report.