Man With Automatic Rifle Sought Gov. Evers At WI Capitol: Report

MADISON, WI — A shirtless man armed with a handgun entered the Wisconsin Capitol building Wednesday afternoon seeking Gov. Tony Evers, then later returned that night — after he was arrested and released — with an automatic rifle, according to a report.

The man with a holstered handgun made his way to the governor's office on the first floor of the Capitol around 2 p.m. Wednesday, state Department of Administration spokesperson Tatyana Warrick told the Associated Press. Evers was not in his office at the time.

The man was arrested on suspicion of openly carrying a firearm in the Capitol, which is against state law. Concealed carried with a permit is allowed inside the building.

The man was booked into the Dane County Jail, and posted bail shortly thereafter.

He then returned to the Capitol building around 9 p.m. with an automatic rifle, officials said, but the building was closed. He demanded to see the governor and was again taken into custody.

Officers from the Madison Police Department responded to assist the Capitol police, and the man was taken into protective custody and conveyed to a local hospital.

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.