Minocqua, WI — A Wisconsin brewery is facing backlash after posting a message referencing political violence just hours after a gunman fired shots outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner attended by President Donald Trump.
Minocqua Brewing Company wrote on Facebook that it “almost got #freebeerday,” adding that someone “needs to work on their marksmanship or he faked another assassination,” and promising to serve free beer “the day it happens.” The post came shortly after a real security incident Saturday night in Washington, D.C., where an armed man charged toward the event and was arrested.
The company’s advertising surrounds itself with the concept that they will give customers free beer on the day President Donald J. Trump is assassinated.
Brewery response tied directly to real-world violence
According to the Associated Press, the suspect—identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen—stormed the lobby of the Washington Hilton armed with guns and knives and opened fire before being subdued by Secret Service agents. President Trump and other officials were evacuated and unharmed.
The timing and wording of the brewery’s post indicate it was reacting directly to that incident, not making a vague or hypothetical statement. That connection has intensified criticism, as the message appeared to joke about an attempted act of violence tied to a high-profile political figure.
Pattern of provocative political messaging
Minocqua Brewing Company, led by owner Kirk Bangstad, has built its brand around overt political activism. The brewery produces beverages with names like “Biden Beer” and “Fair Maps 2.0,” and funnels profits into a progressive political action committee.
Bangstad has also engaged in ongoing disputes with local officials in Minocqua, Wisconsin, over zoning, COVID-19 rules, and signage—frequently framing those conflicts in ideological terms.
Key Points
• Brewery post referenced Trump shooting incident and suggested “free beer” if assassination occurred
• Message followed confirmed shooting scare at White House Correspondents’ Dinner
• Company known for blending business operations with political activism
Backlash centers on tone, timing
Criticism of the post has focused less on the brewery’s political stance and more on the timing and tone—appearing to mock or trivialize a violent incident that had just unfolded.
Because the shooting involved a sitting president and occurred at a heavily secured national event, the response has raised broader questions about how businesses engage with breaking news involving violence.
The post also included speculation about whether the incident was staged, further amplifying concerns about misinformation layered onto a real event.
Business model tied to activism
The brewery operates a newly opened taproom in Minocqua and a second location in Madison, positioning itself as both a beverage company and a political voice. Its direct-to-consumer shipping model and national profile have helped expand its reach beyond northern Wisconsin.
That visibility means its messaging—especially during breaking news events—can quickly gain traction far outside its local market.
Current status
As of Sunday, the Facebook post remains online and no public clarification or deletion has been issued by Minocqua Brewing Company. Meanwhile, the suspect in the Washington, D.C. shooting remains in custody, and federal authorities continue investigating the motive behind the attack.