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Jurors Selected In Trial For Joseph Jakubowski, Man Who Stole Guns, Sent Manifesto

33-Year-Old Janesville Man Is Self-Proclaimed Anarchist Who Spent 10 Days On The Run

By
Gavel
Joe Gratz (CC)

Jurors have been selected for the trial of a man accused of stealing more than a dozen weapons from a southern Wisconsin gun shop and sending an anti-government manifesto to President Donald Trump.


This undated file photo provided by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office in Janesville shows Joseph Jakubowski. Rock County Sheriff’s Office via AP

Joseph Jakubowski says he regrets surviving his failed attempt to run from authorities. He said his 10 days on the run last April were the best days of his life.

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Jakubowski is on trial Monday in federal court in Madison on weapons charges, which carry up to 20 years in prison upon conviction.

In an interview with the Wisconsin State Journal, Jakubowski said he’s proud he was able to publicize his anger and frustration toward the government. But, he said he would rather have died in a gun battle with officers.

The 33-year-old self-proclaimed anarchist from Janesville was captured April 14 in Vernon County after a landowner found him camping on his property.

While on the run, authorities learned he had written a rambling anti-government manifesto, which he sent to the president. They feared Jakubowski would target schools or government buildings. Many schools in the area canceled classes.