MANKATO (TEC News) – Those who arrived for Tuesday’s Jennifer Nibbe hearing were required to go through a security check prior to entering the Blue Earth County Courtroom.
The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the use of a metal detector was a test run for the start of the Joel Munt murder trial next Monday.
Sheriff Capt. Rich Murry says there was no specific threat in regard with the Nibbe hearing.
The metal detector was placed in front of the door for Courtroom B and the approximately 50 people had to funnel through, delaying the start of the hearing by about 20 minutes.
While metal detectors are standard fare for many courtrooms in Minnesota, it’s the first time one has been used at the new Justice Center.