Executive Protection Unit launches in Bloomington after rise in political violence

Bloomington PD announces 'Executive Protection Unit'

Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges announced an Executive Protection Unit, which will help protect public figures and high-profile events. 

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (FOX 9) - Bloomington Police are stepping up security for public officials and high-profile events with a new specialized team.

Bloomington Police Department creates new Executive Protection Unit

What we know:

The Bloomington Police Department has established an Executive Protection Unit, the first of its kind in Minnesota, focused on keeping public officials and others safe during major events and daily operations. Officers in the unit trained with the FBI and United States Secret Service, learning about threat assessment, protective intelligence, advance planning and close protection tactics.

The department says this new unit will handle threat assessments, coordinate security, provide close protection and work with other agencies to boost public safety.

What they're saying:

Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said, "It’s really unfortunate we need to create a unit like this," and added that recent violence, including targeted attacks on elected officials and assassination attempts against the President, highlighting the need for this kind of specialized protection.