MADISON (WKOW) -- The man who took guns to the Wisconsin State Capitol demanding to see Gov. Tony Evers in early October made his initial court appearance Thursday.
Joshua Pleasnick, 43, appeared in front of a judge at the Dane County Courthouse.
His attorney, Michael Edward Covey, said Pleasnick had no intent to cause harm on the day he demanded to see the governor.
"Public perception is that he went to the capitol to cause harm to the governor," Covey said. "That is not the case."
In describing Pleasnick, Covey said, "He's actually one of the most pleasant clients I've ever had."
Pleasnick is facing a misdemeanor charge of carrying a firearm in a public building.
On Thursday, he was given a signature bond. The judge also banned him for the Capitol Square area and the area of the governor's house. He's banned from having any dangerous weapons, including firearms. He must also maintain a certain distance from the governor.
On Wednesday, Oct. 4, Pleasnick went to the State Capitol to speak to Evers about male domestic abuse victims.
When an officer saw a shirtless Pleasnick walk past the checkpoint gate, he stopped Pleasnick and told him he had to fill out a form before speaking to the governor.
Pleasnick obliged and filled out the form. He then sat down on the floor and said he'd wait for the governor and was not leaving.
The officer noticed Pleasnick was open carrying a firearm, so he called dispatch. The officer noted that everything "was okay."
Pleasnick was then arrested and jailed.
Pleasnick said he "didn't know" he wasn't allowed to carry a firearm in the capitol, according to the criminal complaint.
After Pleasnick was bailed out, he returned to the capitol that evening and posted up outside with an automatic rifle. He was arrested again.
Then on Tuesday, Pleasnick was arrested for a third time for carrying a concealed weapon, which stemmed from the initial incident on Oct. 4.
If convicted, Pleasnick faces up to nine months in prison and a $10,000 fine.
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