(LibertySons.org) – A Wisconsin man was arrested at the State Capitol after entering the building with a weapon and stating he wouldn’t leave until he saw the governor. He posted bail, then returned that evening, again armed, and repeated his demands. Police took him into custody once more. Threats against elected officials are growing increasingly common as the political divide widens, and authorities are considering how they might avoid similar conflicts in the future.
Demands to Speak With Governor
USA Today reports that Joshua Pleasnick, who goes by the nickname Taco, came to the Capitol on Wednesday, October 4, at around 2 p.m. The man was shirtless, wore a holster with a handgun, and had his dog with him on a leash. The 43-year-old Madison resident demanded that personnel at the security desk let him talk to Gov. Tony Evers (D), who was reportedly not on-site at the time. Pleasnick said he wasn’t leaving until he saw the official, adding that he wanted the state to address male domestic abuse victims. Police apprehended the suspect and charged him with openly carrying a firearm in a Capitol building, a misdemeanor, which allowed him to bail out within hours on a mere $500 bond.
Pleasnick returned to the Capitol Building at roughly 8:50 p.m., this time with a loaded AK-style assault rifle. He made more demands to see Evers, and police arrested him again. The suspect reportedly made statements that led to authorities questioning his mental stability, according to Fox 6 Now and other sources, so police took the man to a mental hospital, where he remained in protective custody for a psychological evaluation. Officials suspect he had access to several guns and knew how to use them.
Protecting Elected Officials
Evers stated that the event has made his security team reconsider their approach to the building’s safety, but he wouldn’t elaborate on any steps they plan to take. The issue broadens the spotlight on the issue of violence and threats of physical harm that US elected officials currently face.
This wasn’t the first time Evers potentially avoided the wrath of an armed and angry constituent, either. An earlier USA Today article reported on the shooting death of retired Juneau County Judge John Roemer, noting the murder suspect had an alleged “hit list” with Evers’ name on it. Other names included Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D). The assailant, 56-year-old Douglas K. Uhde, reportedly had problems with authority figures and a history of legal issues.
Wisconsin State Sen. Van Wanggaard (R) chimed in on the problem, telling Fox 6 Now that he wasn’t concerned about his personal safety — but he has a federal concealed carry license and goes out armed and ready to protect himself and the people around him.
~Here’s to Our Liberty!
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