A man illegally brought a handgun into the Wisconsin Capitol and later returned with an assault rifle, demanding to see Governor Tony Evers, according to a spokesperson for the state.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when the man, who was shirtless and carrying a holstered handgun, approached the governor’s office on the first floor of the Capitol. The governor was not present at the time. The man was taken into custody for openly carrying a firearm, which is against the law in the Capitol.
He did not have a concealed carry permit.
After posting bail, the man returned to the Capitol with an assault-style rifle later that night. He was again taken into custody.
The man’s identity has not been disclosed.
Madison police reported that he was taken into productive custody and transported to the hospital.
This incident is the latest in a series of violent threats against public officials, including Governor Evers, who was previously on a hit list of a gunman suspected of fatally shooting a retired county judge in 2022.
The incident has prompted no immediate changes to security in the Capitol or for the governor.
The public has free access to the Capitol daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and there are no metal detectors in place.
