Full Breakdown
Wisconsin Brewery Owner's “Free Beer” Promotion After Trump Assassination Attempt Draws FBI Scrutiny and Political Condemnation
4/29/2026, 8:45:43 PM
Free Beer Promotion Sparks FBI Awareness and Political Backlash
On Saturday night, following a gunfire incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner that appeared to target President Donald Trump, Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad posted on Facebook that his brewery would pour free beer “all day long, the day he dies.” The FBI confirmed it is monitoring the posts and will investigate any threats of violence.
Background: Shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner and Prior Free-Beer Promise
The April 25 shooting at the dinner left several attendees injured and prompted Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to describe the gunman as having likely aimed at Trump. Earlier in the year, Bangstad’s brewery announced a similar “free-beer-day” promotion tied to Trump’s death, without naming the president directly.
Key Actors
Key actors include brewery owner Kirk Bangstad, his political action committee (several million dollars spent on progressive causes), FBI Milwaukee spokeswoman Caroline Clancy, Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesperson Philip Shulman, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong, Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, and federal defendant Cole Allen (charged with three felony counts of attempted assassination).
Official Statements & Responses
The FBI characterized the online rhetoric as hateful and warned that any threats would be investigated. The Wisconsin Democratic Party said the post crossed a line and should be withdrawn immediately. State officials emphasized the need to condemn political violence regardless of partisan affiliation.
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic leaders, including Francesca Hong, called jokes about a sitting president’s assassination “wrong.” Republican Tom Tiffany said most Democrats do not share Bangstad’s view and urged Wisconsinites to watch political discourse. Mandela Barnes condemned any response to the dinner shooting that ignored broader political violence. Bangstad defended his remarks as “gallows humor” and “hyperbole,” claiming they were comforting humor.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Bangstad characterizes his statements as satire, while Democratic officials treat them as incitement. He has not responded to multiple media inquiries, leaving a gap in direct clarification of his intent beyond posted defenses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Hateful rhetoric and speech are despicable,” — Caroline Clancy, FBI Milwaukee spokeswoman
- “212 NEWS THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF WISCONSIN SAYING THIS RHETORIC IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND SHOULD BE RETRACTED IMMEDIATELY.” — Philip Shulman, Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesperson
- “Joking about a sitting president's assassination — or anyone's — is wrong.” — Francesca Hong, Democratic gubernatorial candidate
What’s Next
The FBI continues to monitor online activity for threats linked to the posts. Law-enforcement agencies may pursue additional charges if evidence of incitement emerges. Both the brewery and state political leaders are expected to issue further statements as the investigation proceeds.
