The Department of Administration released a statement that it is complying with an injunction to open the Capitol to the public, even though most people are still being barred from the building.
Tim Donovan, a DOA spokesman, says that the department is continuing to use the policies it put in place early this morning, allowing people with official invitations into the building for hearings and appointments. Those people are escorted to offices and hearings, and then must leave afterward.
But thousands of people remain outside the building, demanding entrance. "What we've been doing all day is in compliance," Donovan said.
Other bizarre rumors are spreading quickly, including one that the governor is using a steam tunnel to smuggle supporters into the building for his budget address at 4 p.m. today.
Donovan refused to say whether this was true. "I don't know anything about that and wouldn't tell you even if I did."
Asked why he wouldn't talk about it, Donovan responded: "If there's a security tactic being used, it wouldn't be helpful to disclose it. I don't know anything about it."
Another rumor floating around is that Charles Tubbs, chief of the Capitol police, had been fired. Donovan denied this and said the chief is still in his job.
In yet another bizarre twist, Donovan himself sued the state over his job placement last year.
Donovan did confirm one other rumor: He was moved over from the state's Department of Military Affairs to help manage the crisis. It"s symbolic, perhaps, of the siege mentality Gov. Scott Walker is taking as the crisis unfolds. But Donovan downplayed the significance.
"I'm a state employee. And I'm just helping out. It's done all the time. State agencies need help," he said. "It's awfully busy and they needed a few extra hands."
