Man Accused of Bringing Guns to Wisconsin State Capitol Receives Signature Bond

A man who brought guns to the Wisconsin State Capitol and demanded to see Governor Tony Evers has been granted a signature bond, allowing his release. However, he is not permitted to come near the governor or his family until his case is resolved.

Initial Court Appearance

Joshua Pleasnick, a 43-year-old resident of Madison, appeared in court on a misdemeanor charge for openly carrying a gun in a public building. Dane County Court Commissioner Scott McAndrew entered a not guilty plea on his behalf and set a signature bond of $500. This bond requires payment if he misses a court date or fails to comply with release conditions.

Restrictions Imposed

As part of the bond, Pleasnick is prohibited from possessing any dangerous weapons and is barred from entering the Capitol Square, which includes the Capitol building. He is also banned from being on the road in front of the governor's mansion in Maple Bluff and cannot come within 1,000 feet of Governor Evers or any members of his family.

Initial Incident

Pleasnick first entered the Capitol on October 4, shirtless, with a dog on a leash, and a holstered handgun. He demanded to speak to Governor Evers but was arrested as the governor was not present.

Second Visit and Explanations

Later that day, Pleasnick returned to the Capitol carrying a semi-automatic rifle and a baton in his backpack. Again, he demanded to see the governor, but the building was closed, leading to his second arrest.

In a criminal complaint, Pleasnick stated he had no intention of using the weapon but wanted to discuss issues faced by men who have experienced abuse from women without receiving help from authorities. He also mentioned carrying the gun for protection against his ex-girlfriend, whom he believed might harm him.

Pleasnick expressed anger towards "uniformed government officials" for failing him in the court system and shared that police officers he had spoken to in the past did not recognize men as potential victims of abuse.

Online court records indicate that Pleasnick had gone through divorce proceedings in 2021.

Lenient Bail and Mental Health

Pleasnick's attorney, Michael Edward Covey, emphasized that the lenient bail decision reflects the court commissioner's belief that Pleasnick is not a threat. Covey reiterated that Pleasnick had no intentions of using his firearms and understood the reasons behind the no-contact order with Governor Evers and his family.

Deputy District Attorney William Brown explained that Pleasnick was experiencing a "mental health crisis" during the incidents at the Capitol, as reported by the Wisconsin State Journal.