A Wisconsin man was apprehended by police on Wednesday after he reportedly brought a handgun to the state Capitol and insisted on meeting with Democratic Governor Tony Evers.
The individual then returned to the building early Thursday morning, this time allegedly armed with an assault rifle, as reported by multiple sources.
According to Tatyana Warrick, spokesperson for the Wisconsin Department of Administration, the unidentified man arrived at the state Capitol around 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Witnesses observed him shirtless, holding a dog on a leash, and reportedly carrying a handgun. He approached the security desk and declared that he would not leave until he had a chance to see the Governor, as confirmed by CNN.
Governor Evers assured reporters that he was unharmed following the incident. "Yeah, it's always something that... you don't want to see happen," he stated. "But that's why we have good people in the police departments, in the Capitol police and the state patrol. They're doing their great work."
Capitol Police promptly arrested the individual for allegedly possessing a firearm within the state capital. He was then taken to the Dane County jail without any further issues. Authorities confiscated his gun as evidence and handed over his dog to the city's Animal Control department, according to CNN.
However, the man posted bail shortly after and returned to the Capitol later that night, still demanding to meet with the Governor. This time, he was allegedly armed with an AK-47, as reported by CNN. During a subsequent search, police discovered a collapsible police baton in his backpack.
Following a concerning statement made by the individual, police took him into custody for psychiatric evaluation, as stated by CNN.
At present, the man's identity remains unknown. Britt Cudaback, a spokesperson for the Governor's office, declined to comment, citing a policy regarding matters related to the Governor's safety, CNN reported.
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