A Madison man has been charged with a misdemeanor after he was arrested for bringing a handgun and an assault rifle to the Wisconsin State Capitol and demanding to see the Governor. Joshua Pleasnick, 43, arrived at the state Capitol on October 4, shirtless and with a leashed dog, wearing a holstered handgun. He wanted to discuss domestic abuse towards men with the Governor. Pleasnick was subsequently arrested for carrying a firearm in a public building, a violation of state law.
Capitol police officials issued an alert, urging extreme caution when dealing with Pleasnick as he should be considered armed. Despite his arrest, Pleasnick returned to the state Capitol later that evening with an assault-style rifle after posting bail. He demanded to see the governor again and was taken into custody once more. Lawmakers were not informed of either incident until the following morning.
This incident raises concerns in light of a previous incident involving Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. Last year, Evers appeared on a target list found in the vehicle of a man accused of fatally shooting a retired county judge. The list included names like Evers, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Joshua Pleasnick now faces the possibility of nine months in jail, a fine of $10,000, or both. His court appearance is scheduled for Thursday in Dane County Circuit Court.
