Wisconsin Capitol Plunged into Chaos as Armed Protester Demands Immediate Meeting with Governor Tony Evers, Hours after Arrest!
Man arrested for bringing gun to Wisconsin Capitol returns with assault rifle, seeking Gov Tony Evers, shortly after posting bail
On Wednesday, a man was arrested at the Wisconsin Capitol for bringing a handgun and expressing a desire to see Gov. Tony Evers. Later that night, after posting bail, he returned to the Capitol with an assault rifle. This information was provided by the Wisconsin Department of Administration. When the man initially approached the security desk outside the governors office in Madison around 2 p.m., he was shirtless and had a holstered handgun and a leashed dog, according to Tatyana Warrick, a spokesperson for the Department of Administration.
He declared that he would remain until he encountered the Democratic governor.
The individual was apprehended by a Capitol police officer without any trouble and subsequently transported to the Dane County Jail for violating the law by openly carrying a firearm within the Capitol premises, as stated in the announcement. The firearm was confiscated as evidence, and the dog was handed over to the City of Madison Animal Control.
The individual subsequently posted bail and reappeared outside the Capitol at approximately 9 p.m., accompanied by a fully loaded rifle resembling an AK-47. Once again, he requested an audience with the governor.
The Wisconsin State Capitol is pictured in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, on November 4, 2020.Â
Bing Guan/Reuters/FILE
According to the statement, Capitol Police and officers from the City of Madison Police Department initiated a conversation with the individual. A search of his backpack was conducted with his consent, resulting in the discovery of an illegal collapsible police-style baton, as the man did not possess a valid concealed carry permit. The statement mentioned that the man was apprehended for psychiatric assessment, due to a troubling statement, shortly before midnight. Additionally, Capitol Police confiscated the rifle.
The spokesperson for the governor's office, Britt Cudaback, refrained from providing a comment, citing the office's policy of not commenting on matters concerning the governor's security. Nevertheless, Governor Evers expressed to reporters on Thursday that he was in good condition and acknowledged the diligent efforts of the different police departments.
"Yeah, it's always something you don't want to witness," he commented. "However, we are fortunate to have competent individuals in the police departments, Capitol police, and state patrol who are dedicated to their commendable duty."
When questioned about potential improvements to the security policies at the Capitol, the governor replied, "I am confident that they are currently reviewing this matter," although he chose not to delve into the specifics of security concerns.
