Investigation Reveals Felons Worked Security at U.S. Bank Stadium

MINNEAPOLIS — The latest controversy at U.S. Bank Stadium has left one security firm fired and many questions for politicians and sports fans regarding their safety at sporting events.

The Star Tribune reports SMG, the operator for U.S. Bank Stadium has fired its security firm, Monterrey Securities after an investigation detailed misconduct by the firm.

In July, the FBI opened an investigation into Monterrey Securities for falsifying government documents, failure to conduct background checks, and hiring felons – which Alpha News reported could be linked to hundreds of employees.

According to a joint statement from the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) and SMG, the Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services investigation concluded Monterrey Securities failed to comply with Minnesota regulations.

The investigation concluded Monterrey Securities bused workers in from out-of-state when it was short staffed and on more than one occasion failed to perform background checks on its employees – including hiring a felon to provide security for a Vikings game according to The Star Tribune.

“The MSFA has known for years that the stadium’s security vendor has a history of troubling legal and performance issues,” State Rep. Sarah Anderson (R-Plymouth) said in a statement. “Any security firm for the stadium is responsible for protecting a $1 billion public asset and, more importantly, is charged with keeping over 65,000 Minnesotans safe at any given event. Their credentials deserve more than the cursory glance given by board members more interested in private luxury suites.”

Towards the end of the Vikings season in January, Dakota Access Pipeline protesters scaled U.S. Bank Stadium and using rope, descended from the rafters of the stadium to hang an anti-DAPL banner. Though, the mishap is not the reason for the firing according to the Pioneer Press.

Whelan Security, which currently provides assistance to TCF Bank and previously for the Metrodome has taken over the role from Monterrey Securities according to WCCO.

The shakeup in security comes as several concerts and Superbowl 51 are scheduled to be held at U.S. Bank Stadium in coming months.

Preya Samsundar

Preya Samsundar was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities this Spring with a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, with a minor in Strategic Communications. Preya has previously worked on several State Campaign Races.