In an alarming escalation, a man, later identified as Joshua Pleasnick, faced arrest on a Wednesday after appearing at the Wisconsin Capitol with a handgun, stating an intention to meet Gov. Tony Evers. His persistence didn’t wane, as after posting bail, Pleasnick returned that same night with an assault rifle, once again demanding an audience with the governor.
Shirtless, a holstered handgun at his side and a leashed dog in tow, Pleasnick had initially emerged at the security desk outside Gov. Evers’ office in Madison around 2 p.m. that day. He declared his intention to remain until granted an audience with the Democratic governor.
Pleasnick, however, was promptly instructed that carrying an open firearm was not permissible within the Capitol, an order to which he decisively refused to comply. This defiance resulted in his immediate detention, under suspicion of openly carrying a firearm in the Capitol; an act classified as unlawful.
Observers recount Pleasnick stating during his interview that he would persist in his visitations of the Capitol, until he could discuss the issue of domestic abuse towards men directly with the governor. As a result of his arrest, his firearm was seized for evidence and his dog was turned over to the City of Madison Animal Control.
Later, having achieved his release via bail, Pleasnick returned to the Capitol perimeter just before 9 p.m., this time armed with an AK-47-style rifle. His demands remained unaltered; he still desired an audience with Gov. Evers. In response, a dialogue was initiated with Pleasnick by the Capitol and Madison police.
A consensual search of Pleasnick’s backpack revealed the presence of an illegal collapsible police-style baton as he did not possess a valid concealed carry permit. An ensuing concern for his mental health, precipitated by a worrying statement he had made, led to Pleasnick’s arrest around midnight, with the intent of conducting a psychiatric evaluation. His rifle was also seized by the Capitol police.
The governor’s office has chosen to remain silent on the incident pursuant to its privacy policy, and Gov. Evers himself has praised the law enforcement agencies involved for their diligent handling of the situation. Regarding possible enhancements to the Capitol’s security policies, he has indicated that the subject is presently under review, albeit without disclosing specific details.
The nature of Pleasnick’s remarks and potential violent intentions have not been disclosed yet. It should be noted, however, that Gov. Evers and several other public officials have been on the receiving end of violent threats in recent years.
Earlier, another individual had faced federal incarceration for a year after pleading guilty to transmitting threatening communication against Gov. Evers. In another twist, a man who was investigated for a fatal shooting incident involving a Wisconsin judge had purportedly listed Evers, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, as well as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer among his intended targets.
