Minocqua brewery post draws backlash after White House dinner shooting
WI brewery post draws backlash after White House dinner shooting
In the days since the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, a Wisconsin brewery has become the center of national controversy tied to a social media post that remains online.
MINOCQUA, Wis. - Cole Allen, the man accused of opening fire during Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, appeared before a magistrate in federal court Monday afternoon, April 27.
Local perspective:
In the days since the shooting, a Wisconsin brewery has become the center of national controversy tied to a social media post that remains online.
The Minocqua Brewing Company posted on Facebook: "Well, we almost got #freebeerday. Either a brother or sister in the Resistance needs to work on their marksmanship or he faked another assassination to get a positive news cycle. We’ll never know. Regardless, we stand at the ready to pour free beer the day it happens."
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An accompanying image included a red tie, a color often associated with President Donald Trump.
In January, the brewery offered free beer for when "he dies," though the post did not specify who. In a January statement to Fox News Digital, brewery owner Kirk Bangstad said he would welcome anyone to celebrate the quote: "impending death of a twice-impeached convicted felon."
Blocking Trump from Wisconsin ballot; brewery owner makes push
The Minocqua Brewing Company owner filed a complaint on Thursday to keep former President Donald Trump off of Wisconsin's 2024 presidential ballot.
What they're saying:
U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil criticized the remarks.
"That's despicable, it's inappropriate, and it's that type of language that absolutely has to stop," Steil said. "I think further than that, I think every elected Democrat who is associated with that individual previously, in particular those people that have utilized his campaign donations that have benefited from his super PAC funding, need to step up and call that out for what it is: Unacceptable, inappropriate, disgusting."
The company has released beers in honor of Democrats, including Gov. Tony Evers, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes.
Barnes, who is running for governor, wrote: "I denounce those who had any reaction to Saturday night’s shooting other than outrage at the state of political violence in our country. It’s completely unacceptable, and I am thankful for the actions of law enforcement who acted swiftly and bravely to keep everyone safe."
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Baldwin also posted that "political violence in any form is simply unacceptable."
A WisDems spokesperson says the brewing company’s rhetoric is completely unacceptable.
Dig deeper:
Bangstad did not respond to requests for comment Monday. He was convicted this month of disorderly conduct.
He also ran unsuccessfully for state legislature in 2020. At the time, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin donated to his campaign.
Cole Allen: WHCA shooting suspect faces attempted assassination charge
Cole Tomas Allen, the 31‑year‑old suspect in the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, made his first court appearance on Monday as he faces multiple federal charges.
The Source: The information in this post was collected and produced by FOX6 News.