(Photo : Scott Olson/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 07: Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers speaks to the press during a canvas launch event on November 7, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Evers, a Democrat, is in a tight race with his Republican challenger Tim Michels heading into tomorrow's election.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Administration, a man who was detained Wednesday after carrying a handgun to the Wisconsin Capitol and said he wanted to meet Gov. Tony Evers returned with an assault weapon later that night after posting bail.
When the man approached the security desk outside the governor's office in Madison at 2 p.m., he was shirtless and carrying a holstered weapon and a leashed dog. Tatyana Warrick, a representative for the Department of Administration, told CNN on Wednesday. He stated that he would not leave until he saw the Democratic governor.
Wisconsin Man Arrested for Bringing Handgun in Capitol
According to the statement, the individual was taken into custody without incident by a Capitol police officer and brought to the Dane County Jail for openly carrying a handgun in the Capitol, which is forbidden. The gun was confiscated as evidence, and the dog was turned over to Madison Animal Control.
The individual eventually bailed himself out of jail and returned to the Capitol grounds at 9 p.m., this time armed with a loaded AK-47 type weapon. He requested to meet the governor once again.
According to a CNN, the man was apprehended by officers shortly before midnight for psychiatric evaluation after making a "concerning statement." Capitol Police also confiscated the rifle.
In response to inquiries regarding the governor's security, Britt Cudaback, a representative from the governor's office, has chosen not to provide a comment. Cudaback cited the office's policy of refraining from commenting on matters related to the governor's security as the reason for this decision.
During a press conference on Thursday, Evers assured reporters that he was in good condition, acknowledging the commendable efforts of the different police departments involved.
In response to the incident, he expressed his disapproval, stating, "Yeah, it's always something that... you don't want to see happen."
The presence of competent individuals within police departments, including the Capitol police and state patrol, is crucial. According to reports, they are currently engaged in their commendable efforts.
When questioned about potential improvements to the Capitol's security policies, the governor responded, "I'm confident that they are currently examining this matter," while also choosing not to delve into specific details regarding security concerns.
In a report released on Thursday, Madison police announced that a man had been placed under protective custody and then transported to the hospitalThe state public defender's office spokesperson was unable to reveal on Thursday whether a public defender had been assigned to the alleged gunman.
Additionally, attempts to contact the attorney who previously represented the alleged gunman in a separate case were unsuccessful, as they did not promptly respond to voicemails inquiring about their representation. Voicemails left for members of the man's family and prior employers have gone unanswered, as they did not immediately respond.
In a recently released podcast episode, an individual claiming to share the same name and birthdate as the suspected shooter made a statement. The man, who identified himself as being present in Madison, expressed his intention to dismantle the corrupt system through unconventional means, using the phrase "burn down the system with love," albeit accompanied by profanity.
In a candid conversation, the man expressed his dissatisfaction with the treatment he received from the courts. He openly discussed engaging in illegal activities, such as the sale of weapons, and his involvement in gun stores that dealt with explosives and machine guns.
Additionally, he shared his personal struggles, including a past suicide attempt and the challenges he faces due to post-traumatic stress disorder. In a statement, he expressed his desire to continue living.
In a statement to reporters on Thursday, Governor Evers confirmed that the Capitol Police have successfully gained control of the situation, effectively bringing it to an end.
The individual in question has chosen not to provide any comments regarding potential security measures that may be implemented for their personal safety or for the protection of the Capitol building.In a statement, Evers emphasized that he refrains from discussing the activities or plans of his security detail. In the wake of such incidents, it is evident that a thorough reassessment takes place.
Violence Against Public Officials
Per AP News, the incident represents the most recent occurrence in a string of violent threats directed towards public officials. In 2022, Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, found himself on a hit list compiled by a suspected gunman.
This individual is believed to be responsible for the tragic shooting of a retired county judge at his residence in Wisconsin. In addition to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, several other notable individuals were also included on the list. In 2020, Governor Whitmer found herself at the center of a kidnapping plot.
According to Warrick, there are currently no plans for immediate changes to security in the Capitol or for the governor. In a move aimed at promoting transparency and public engagement, the Capitol has opened its doors to the general public on a daily basis.
Starting from 8 a.m. and extending until 6 p.m., citizens now have the opportunity to freely access this iconic government building. According to reports, it has been confirmed that there is a lack of metal detectors in the vicinity.
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