Lawmakers raise questions over U.S. Bank Stadium security

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - The moment activists dropped a banner from the rafters of U.S. Bank stadium during a Vikings game last year, there’s been questions about security.

A licensing board review of Monterrey Security this summer led to the Metropolitan Sports Facility Authority firing the firm last month.

At a legislative oversight hearing, lawmakers received the investigation by the Board of Private Detective and Agent Services.

It showed criminal background checks on Monterrey Security agents found 29 appeared to have disqualifying records, one even had an active warrant.

“There was a Monterrey security officer that actually was wearing an ankle bracelet because he was making threats to the FBI,” said Greg Cook, executive director of the Board of Private Detective and Agent Services.

Stadium operator SMG has since hired two replacement security firms. But SMG’s general manager didn’t reassure lawmakers that he even knows state law governing security guards and their ID badges.

“But I don’t believe that you don’t have to have it displayed all times when you are working,” said Patrick Talty, SMG General Manager, in the meeting.

“You have to have it displayed at all times when you are working,” said Cook.

Lawmakers were not impressed.

“And the other statement that you made is now you’ve hired two security firms just in case something happens,” said Representative Steve Green (R-Foston). “I mean, that’s not very assuring.”

It’s by far not their only concern.

“And, when you look at this over all, this is just one contract,” said Rep. Sarah Anderson (R-Plymouth). “What other contracts are out there that we need to have a review of and have greater oversight of?” 

SMG says it has audits written into the new security contract with Whelan Security and G42. Lawmakers want to make sure they’re performing those audits.