StoryRevenue contract for bomb detection security services at Target CenterJune 18, 2026

Target Center Secures Enhanced Bomb Detection Services Amidst Broader Safety Push

The Minneapolis Public Health, Safety & Equity Committee approved a revenue contract for crucial bomb detection security services at Target Center, underscoring the city's commitment to public safety and preparedness.

Published Jul 2, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minneapolis Public Health, Safety & Equity Committee on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, approved a revenue contract for specialized bomb detection security services at the Target Center. The unanimous voice vote, part of a consent agenda, solidifies the city's ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures at one of its premier public venues, aligning with a broader municipal strategy to bolster emergency preparedness.

The approval comes as Minneapolis continues to navigate complex safety challenges, with city officials emphasizing proactive approaches to protecting residents and visitors. The contract ensures that Target Center, a hub for sports and entertainment events, will maintain a robust security infrastructure designed to mitigate potential threats.

During the committee meeting, discussions frequently touched upon the city's overarching commitment to preparedness and community safety. Rachel Sayer, whose re-appointment as Emergency Management Director was also approved at the meeting, articulated an ambitious vision for the city’s readiness capabilities, a sentiment that resonates with the proactive security measures taken at Target Center.

Making Minneapolis the most disaster-ready city in the country is ambitious, but I also believe it's achievable.

Rachel Sayer, Emergency Management Director

Mayor Jacob Frey also spoke to the fundamental ethos guiding city officials, linking their professional duties to a deeper commitment to the community's well-being. This perspective underscores the care and consideration that inform decisions like the Target Center security contract, which directly impacts public safety.

There was a community member who said to me, 'I really appreciate when people do their jobs and they do the what, but I wonder if they love us.'

Jacob Frey, Mayor

A Comprehensive Approach to Security

The comprehensive nature of modern emergency management means that specialized contracts, such as the bomb detection services for Target Center, are part of a larger, integrated security framework. Eric Waggy, Hennepin County Emergency Management Director, highlighted the crucial role emergency management plays in overseeing the entirety of complex security landscapes, a perspective applicable to the city’s approach to securing its venues.

There's one department that has to keep its head up and take a look at the entire elephant for the entire time. And that's emergency management.

Eric Waggy, Emergency Management Director, Hennepin County

The approved contract for bomb detection security services at Target Center reflects Minneapolis’s proactive stance on public safety, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to protecting its residents and visitors through strategic investments in advanced security measures and robust emergency planning. The decision reinforces the city's dedication to creating a safe environment for all who visit and utilize its key public spaces.

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Full analysis
  • Emergency Management Director Sayer re-appointed after praise for response to school shooting and Metro Surge.
  • City officials reveal $700 million in damages from 'ice invasion' incident.
  • Committee moves toward normalizing adult bathhouses as culturally significant spaces, shedding past stigmatizing language.
  • Council debates police off-duty regulations and search for new gun range facilities.
  • City continues investigation into data practices regarding federal agent activity.
  • Council pivots toward 'disaster-ready' framework with heavy emphasis on community partnerships.

Approval of consent agenda items 4-15, 17-20

PassedVoice vote

Moved by Jason Chavez · Seconded by Not specified

Approve nomination of Rachel Sayer for Emergency Management Director

PassedVoice vote

Moved by Jason Chavez · Seconded by Not specified

Scenarios involving an invasion by our own federal government... that has not been on the docket in the United States for quite some time. It is now.

Jacob Frey
Emergency ManagementDiscussion of recent challenges facing the city.

There's one department that has to keep its head up and take a look at the entire elephant for the entire time. And that's emergency management.

Eric Waggy
Emergency ManagementDescribing the role of emergency management in complex incidents.

Not once did Director Sear say, 'I'm sorry, we've got another priority. You're going to have to put you on hold for a moment.' She showed up every single Monday.

Michelle Sullivan
Public HealthPraising the Director's response after the Annunciation shooting.

I wish I could tell you that there will be no next big one... I can't tell you if it will be a tornado or a cyber attack... but there will be a next big one.

Rachel Sayer
Emergency ManagementAcknowledging the reality of city hazards.

It was really unconscionable, frankly, that the government would adopt such language and such hostile language [regarding bathhouses].

Council President Payne
Adult BathhousesDiscussing historical stigma in city ordinances.

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Other Topics from This Document

  • National Environmental Health Association and FDA retail grant

  • Bloomberg Philanthropic Grant for youth climate leadership

  • Appointments to various advisory committees and work groups

  • MOU with University of Minnesota for Capstone students

  • City data practices regarding unlawful actions of federal agents

  • Police off-duty regulation and management

  • Alternative site for police gun range activity

  • Organizational structures of public safety institutions

  • Law enforcement concealment of identity ordinance

  • Drug and cannabis paraphernalia decriminalization

  • Nomination of Civil Rights Department Director

  • Nomination of Emergency Management Director

  • Technical amendments regarding adult bathhouses

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