A man, who was arrested on Wednesday for bringing a handgun to the Wisconsin Capitol and demanding to see Governor Tony Evers, returned later the same day with an assault rifle after being released on bail, local authorities said.
In Madison around 2 p.m. the shirtless individual with a holstered handgun and a leashed dog approached the security desk outside the governor’s office, insisting he would not leave until he spoke with the governor, according to a statement from Tatyana Warrick, a spokesperson for the Department of Administration.
Subsequently, Capitol police took him into custody without incident for openly carrying a firearm, an illegal act within the Capitol premises, the statement explained. He was then transported to the Dane County Jail for violating the prohibition on open carry of a firearm in a public building, and his firearm was confiscated as evidence. The dog was handed over to the City of Madison Animal Control, the statement added.
However, later that evening, at approximately 9 p.m., the same individual returned to the Capitol exterior wielding a loaded AK-47 style rifle, renewing his demand to see the governor.
“Capitol Police and City of Madison Police Department officers began a dialogue with the person,” Warrick said in the statement. “A consent search of his backpack was conducted and revealed a collapsible police-style baton, which is illegal as the man did not have a valid concealed carry permit.”
Shortly before midnight, officers took the man into custody for psychiatric evaluation based on a “concerning statement,” and the rifle was seized by Capitol Police, the statement concluded.
