Full Breakdown
Federal Interview of Minocqua Brewing Owner Over Trump-Related “Free Beer Day” Post
5/2/2026, 5:17:49 AM
Promotion, Attempted Assassination, and the “Free Beer Day” Hook
Minocqua Brewing Company has long promised free beer on the day former President Donald Trump dies. On April 25, 2026, owner Kirk Bangstad posted on the brewery’s Facebook after an armed intruder breached security at White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The intruder, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, was stopped before reaching the stage where Trump and senior officials sat. Bangstad wrote, “Well, we almost got #freebeerday… we stand at the ready to pour free beer the day it happens,” linking the promotion to the attempt.
Principal Actors
- Kirk Bangstad – Owner of Minocqua Brewing Company and head of a Wisconsin liberal political action committee.
- Frederick Melms – Attorney representing Bangstad during the interview.
- FBI Milwaukee Office – Conducted the voluntary interview and issued a statement on hateful rhetoric.
- U.S. Secret Service – Investigates perceived threats against the President and other protectees.
- Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau – Local tourism group that publicly condemned the comments.
Agency Responses
The joint FBI/Secret Service statement said the agencies “follow up on perceived threats against the President of the United States or any one of our protectees” and that they “conducted further investigative steps, which included a voluntary interview with the individual.” The FBI’s Milwaukee office added that “hateful rhetoric and speech are despicable” and that “threats of violence or terrorism will be investigated by the FBI.” The Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau said it does not condone the remarks. The Wisconsin Department of Justice declined to confirm or deny an investigation.
Political and Community Pushback
State Democratic leaders and gubernatorial candidates denounced Bangstad’s remarks as inappropriate. Bangstad later called the language “hyperbole” and “gallows humor,” saying it was “comforting humor” for progressives. The Visitors Bureau said the brewery’s views do not reflect Minocqua’s community values.
Unresolved Questions
Sources differ on whether “a brother or sister in the Resistance” denotes an organized group or a generic anti-government label. Agencies have not disclosed the interview’s outcome, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice offered no comment, leaving the post’s legal status ambiguous.
Direct Statements
- “If you don’t hear from our socials tonight, something is wrong.” — Kirk Bangstad
- “The U.S. Secret Service follows up on perceived threats against the President of the United States or any one of our protectees.” — Joint statement
- “The FBI is aware of these posts. Hateful rhetoric and speech are despicable. Threats of violence or terrorism will be investigated by the FBI.” — FBI Milwaukee office
- “We’ll never know. Regardless, we stand at the ready to pour free beer the day it happens.” — Kirk Bangstad
Future Developments
Bangstad said he will communicate through his team if detained and stressed the interview was “voluntary.” Both federal agencies described the matter as “ongoing,” indicating further investigative steps may follow.
