Shocking Double Incident: Armed Man Storms Wisconsin Capitol Demanding Governor - Get the Full Scoop!

A man arrived at the Wisconsin Capitol on two separate occasions this week, armed with a gun, and demanded to speak with the governor. State officials revealed that he made a "concerning statement" during at least one of his visits and was detained by authorities both times.

On Wednesday afternoon, the man appeared shirtless at the Capitol, accompanied by a handgun and a dog. He refused to leave the building until he had a chance to meet Gov. Tony Evers, as reported by a spokesperson from the Wisconsin Department of Administration to CNN. He was subsequently arrested but later released on bail. However, he returned to the Capitol that same night, this time carrying a loaded AK-47-style rifle and repeating his request. Officials were able to detain him on this occasion.

Officials have provided limited information regarding the incident and the man's statement, including whether it involved any violence. Nevertheless, Evers, similar to other public officials in recent years, has previously faced violent threats.

In the preceding year, Evers, a member of the Democratic party, was among the individuals targeted by a man who allegedly shot and killed a former Wisconsin judge, according to a reliable source familiar with the investigation. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was also listed as a target on that same list. Additionally, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who experienced a thwarted kidnapping plot, was also included as a target on the gunman's list, as confirmed by her office during that period.

Heres what we know about Wednesdays incidents.

Authorities found police-style baton in his bag

Around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, a man with a holstered handgun and a leashed dog approached the security desk outside the governor's office at the Capitol in Madison. An alert from the Wisconsin State Capitol Police, obtained by CNN from a state senator's office, stated that open carry is prohibited in the Wisconsin Capitol. Tatyana Warrick, a spokesperson from the Department of Administration, confirmed the incident, mentioning that the man was shirtless.

Joshua Pleasnick, aged 43, was mentioned in the alert as the man in question. The alert states that he approached a police officer stationed at the desk, stating his intention to remain there until he could meet the governor.

Upon being informed that he was not permitted to openly carry a firearm within the Capitol, he refused to comply and was subsequently apprehended, as stated in the alert.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers speaks to reporter on November 7, 2022, in Milwaukee.

According to a statement from the administration departments, he was apprehended and transported to the Dane County jail under suspicion of openly carrying a firearm in a public building. The firearm was subsequently confiscated as evidence.

The statement mentioned that the dog was handed over to the animal services department of Madison.

According to the visitor alert, Pleasnick stated during his interview that he would persist in visiting the Capitol until he had the opportunity to discuss domestic abuse against men with the Governor.

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The individual was released from jail and came back to the Capitol grounds around 9 p.m., carrying a loaded rifle resembling an AK-47, according to the administration department. Once again, he demanded to see the governor.

Both Capitol police and Madison police engaged in a conversation with him, as stated by the administration department. They then conducted a consent search of his backpack and discovered an illegal collapsible baton, since the man did not possess a valid concealed carry permit.

Police officers apprehended him under the grounds of a worrisome statement he made, shortly before midnight, for a mental health assessment. Additionally, the Capitol police confiscated the rifle, as confirmed by the administration department. As per the visitor alert, Pleasnick was placed under "protective custody."

"Use extreme caution when in contact with Pleasnick. He should be considered armed," the alert added.

CNN has attempted to reach Pleasnick for comment.

Evers addressed reporters on Thursday, assuring them that he was fine. He mentioned that he does not provide commentary on his security arrangements, but incidents like this one inevitably lead to a reevaluation of the existing security policies.

"The Capitol police effectively handled the situation, bringing it to a resolution. It's an unfortunate occurrence that we hope never happens, but we are grateful for the dedicated work of the police departments, including the Capitol Police and the state patrol," expressed the governor.

CNNs Amy Simonson and Brad Parks contributed to this report.