Temecula council votes to add metal detectors, screening at City Hall and move to limit firearms in building

Temecula City Council voted 4–1 Tuesday night to implement new safety and screening measures at City Hall, including designated public and employee entrances, walk‑through metal detectors, hand wands and an x‑ray machine, and contracted security staffing. The motion also recognizes state restrictions on carrying firearms into local government buildings and asked the city attorney to research federal exemptions.

The vote follows a threat assessment and security review led by Riverside County Sheriff’s Department personnel and presentations from Captain Michael Regali and Lieutenant Lance Pearson, who outlined how City Hall’s open design allows multiple uncontrolled access points. The council voted in favor of moving the primary entry to the west side of the building, placing screening equipment near council chambers and staffing the checkpoints with contracted security personnel to be supervised by the Sheriff’s Office.

Why it matters: Council members and city staff said the measures aim to reduce the risk to employees, elected officials and visitors from workplace violence or targeted threats…