MADISON Wis. (CBS 58) — A 43-year-old Madison man who was stopped not once, but twice by Capitol police Wednesday with a handgun and assault style rifle after demanding he see Gov. Tony Evers has been detained at “state facility for observation,” according to state officials.
Gov. Evers was not at the Capitol during the two incidents and told reporters Thursday he’s glad police handled the situation.
“I’m OK,” Evers said “To their credit, the Capitol police took control of the situation and so it’s over, but yeah, it’s always something that is…you don’t want to see happen, but that’s why we have good people in the police departments, in the Capitol police and the State Patrol. They’re doing great work.”
Who’s the man involved?
Joshua J. Pleasnick, aka “Taco,” entered the Capitol Wednesday around 2 p.m. and approached the security desk outside the Governor’s office carrying a handgun, according to a Capitol Police memo sent to lawmakers and staff.
Pleasnick told a Capitol police officer he would not leave until saw Evers. Pleasnick was then taken into custody for openly carrying a firearm at the Capitol, which is illegal.
During an interview with police, Pleasnick said he would come back until he spoke to Evers “about domestic abuse towards men.”
Pleasnick also alerted authorities he has “access to a large amount of weapons and is comfortable using them,” according to the memo.
After being booked at the Dane County Jail, Pleasnick posted bail and then returned to the Capitol at 8:50 p.m. with an AK assault style weapon.
He again demanded to talk to Evers before was taken into custody.
Security Measures
A Capitol police officer sits at a security desk outside the governor’s office that also includes an office for the Attorney General.
The Capitol is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and there are no metal detectors upon entry.
Evers declined to say what changes to security would be made for him or at the capitol when CBS 58 asked him.
“It’s not something we ever talk about or that I talk about,” Evers said.
Last year, Evers was on a hit list of a man accused of fatally shooting a retired Wisconsin judge. The list was found in a suspect’s car with Evers name, along with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel (R-KY).
Lawmakers React
Lawmakers and staff were notified of the incident around 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
Senate Minority Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison) criticized the “lapse in communication” from Capitol police.
“While I am thankful for the law enforcement officers that deescalated the situation and protected those working, visiting, and traveling near the Capitol, we must also acknowledge that there was a lapse in communication from authorities regarding this dangerous incident,” Agard said.
“I will continue working with the involved groups to ensure that updates are given to legislators, staff, and the surrounding community in a more timely manner. Every person deserves to feel safe at their place of employment.”
