Madison man seeking Gov. Evers had 'absolutely no intent' to use guns brought to Capitol
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- An attorney representing the Madison man accused of illegally bringing a gun to the state Capitol twice said he had "absolutely no intent" of using the guns after demanding to speak to Gov. Tony Evers.
Joshua J. Pleasnick appeared in Dane County Court facing a misdemeanor concealed carry weapon violation after being arrested on Oct. 4 for bringing a handgun, and then later an assault style rifle, to the Capitol.
Pleasnick pleaded not guilty and was released on a signature bond of $500.
Michael Covey, Pleasnick's attorney, said there was a misunderstanding that some believed his client came to the Capitol to harm Evers or others.
"There seems to be a misunderstanding or public perception that Joshua went to the capitol with the intent to cause harm to the governor or someone else," Covery said. "I can understand why people would be scared from that, but that's actually not the case."
After the court hearing Pleasnick refused to answer questions from reporters but Covery reiterated he had "absolutely no intent" to use the guns he brought to the Capitol.
On top of his signature bond, court Commissioner Scott McAndrew ordered Pleasnick to not possess any firearms or weapons, prohibited him from the Capitol square and near the governor's mansion, and cannot be within 1,000 feet of Gov. Evers or any family members.
Joshau Pleasnick's attorney says he had "no intent" to use guns he brought twice to the Capitol demanding to see the Gov.
— Emilee Fannon (@Emilee_Fannon) October 19, 2023
He was released on signature bond & will be:
-Banned from possess any weapons
-Banned from Capitol area/near Gov. mansion
-Cannot be within 1000ft of Gov&Fam pic.twitter.com/kya51M3E3s
Pleasnick approached the governor's security desk on Oct. 4 with a handgun and refused to leave after demanding he speak to Evers "about domestic abuse towards men," according to Capitol Police.
Pleasnick was taken into custody and after bailing himself out, he returned later that evening with a loaded AK-47 style rifle. Police also found a baton in his backpack. He was arrested during both incidents for not having a concealed carry permit.
During the court hearing, the prosecuting attorney said, "it became evident" Pleasnick was suffering from a mental health crisis during both incidents with police.
On Oct. 18, Pleasnick came back to the Capitol after being charged the day prior on a concealed weapon charged, seeking to get his guns back. No guns were returned to him, according to the Department of Administration, who oversees Capitol Police.
The Dane County District Attorney declined to pursue a new weapons charge recommended by Capitol Police.
Pleasnick will be back in court on Nov. 20.