Confusion reigned at the Capitol Tuesday as protesters were denied access into the building for the second straight day despite a judge ordering the doors be opened for the public.
The Department of Administration changed access rules throughout the day. People were admitted on a one-to-one basis up until 5:30 p.m., at which no one was allowed access.
""These procedures are intended to keep the total number of Capitol visitors at a level that will allow state government to continue in a safe and secure environment,"" the DOA said in a statement.
Dane County Circuit Judge Daniel Moeser issued the temporary injunction and restraining order to keep the Capitol open to the public Tuesday during normal business hours or when hearings, listening sessions or court arguments are being conducted. The DOA said they complied with this order even though access to the Capitol remained restricted.
Scott Trigg, a dissertator, was protesting on Sunday when the police announced demonstrators could return Monday at the start of business hours.
""The next day, Walker's department of administration said ‘We've changed the rules,'"" Scott said. ""It's a complete sham.""
State Rep. Kelda Helen Roys, D-Madison, who has been adamant in her support for protesters' access to the Capitol, posted on her Facebook during Gov. Scott Walker's budget address that ""the assembly gallery [is] chock-full of lobbyists.""
The doors of the Capitol were closed to all visitors after the Joint Finance Executive Session Tuesday night. According to a statement released by the DOA, the building's King Street entrance will re-open on Wednesday, March 2 at 8 a.m., with visitors being permitted admission under the same one-to-one system established Tuesday morning.
—Samy Moskol
