Brewery Owner Who Wants Trump Dead Runs For Governor

A Wisconsin brewery owner turned federal probe target now launches a gubernatorial bid after celebrating a Trump assassination attempt—what drives this audacious pivot?

Story Snapshot

Kirk Bangstad posted “we almost got #freebeerday” right after Cole Allen’s failed attempt on President Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, 2026.
FBI and Secret Service interviewed Bangstad at Minocqua Brewing Company following his long-standing “free beer on Trump’s death” promotion tied to anti-Trump merchandise.
Bangstad announced his run for Wisconsin governor live on Facebook during the agents’ visit, seeking 2,000 signatures by May 15.
His brewery sells progressive-themed beers and items like Trump voodoo dolls, fueling a super PAC attacking Republicans.
No charges filed yet, but the post’s timing raises questions about crossing from hyperbole to true threat.

Bangstad’s Controversial Post Ignites Federal Scrutiny

Kirk Bangstad owns Minocqua Brewing Company in Minocqua, Wisconsin, a tourism spot with 4,800 residents. He promoted “free beer all day” upon Donald Trump’s death for years via Facebook, merchandise like voodoo dolls, and beers named after AOC and Kamala Harris. On April 25, 2026, Cole Thomas Allen, 31, from California, allegedly tried assassinating Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Bangstad posted immediately: “Well, we almost got #freebeerday,” urging better “marksmanship” and plugging T-shirts. He deleted it amid backlash.

Federal Agents Visit the Brewery

Secret Service confirmed awareness of Bangstad’s post. FBI agents interviewed him at the brewery with his lawyer on April 26. Supporters gathered outside as he went live on Facebook, declaring agents’ presence and announcing his gubernatorial run. “I’m not gonna stand for this anymore,” Bangstad stated in the nearly hour-long stream. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany leads Republicans in the race; Bangstad needs 2,000 signatures by May 15 for the June 1 deadline.

From Brewery Gimmicks to Political Ambition

Bangstad’s Minocqua Brewing brands itself progressive, operating a super PAC targeting Wisconsin Republicans. His anti-Trump rhetoric predates Trump’s 2024 re-election, blending commerce with activism. The post came amid heightened tensions after prior attempts, like the July 2024 Pennsylvania rally. Local community splits: patrons showed during the FBI visit, but boycotts loom, threatening tourism-driven jobs.

Wisconsin’s 2026 governor race follows Tony Evers’ term in this swing state. Bangstad’s entry adds fringe noise, polarizing voters. His PAC attacks GOP figures, aligning with leftist allies while drawing Trump supporter ire.

Far-left brewery owner who wished Trump dead running for governor of Wisconsin – LifeSite https://t.co/nDQi6QZqq9 Offering compensation for the death of someone is a hit is it not? Why then has he remained free?

— Captain Zero (@captain_ze69496) May 6, 2026

Legal Line Between Speech and Threat

Federal probe assesses if Bangstad’s words constitute a “true threat” under precedents like Virginia v. Black. Post-attempt timing and commercial tie-ins weaken hyperbole claims. Charlie Kirk called it “gross and dehumanizing,” noting grand juries evaluate intent, as in James Comey cases. Facts show no direct link to Allen, described as radicalized, but proximity fuels scrutiny. Common sense demands accountability for rhetoric glorifying violence, especially commercially.

Impacts on Business, Politics, and Community

Short-term, brewery faces boycotts and lost tourism; sales may spike then crash in niche craft beer market. Bangstad gains visibility for his low-viability run. Long-term, it polarizes Wisconsin politics, setting precedents for social media in elections. Minocqua locals bear economic hits; Trump security narrative amplifies nationally. Conservative values reject exploiting tragedy for profit—probe upholds rule of law.