The FBI and Secret Service have launched an inquiry following a controversial social media post by a Wisconsin brewery owner who announced a free beer giveaway upon the death of former President Donald Trump. This development comes on the heels of an incident where a man was detained for an alleged attempt on the life of the 47th president.
In a statement to Fox News, the agencies confirmed their involvement: “The U.S. Secret Service addresses any perceived threats against the President of the United States or any of our protectees. In collaboration with the FBI, we have taken steps to investigate the situation, which included a voluntary interview with the individual involved. This investigation is ongoing, and we have no further comments at this time.”
Kirk Bangstad, who owns the Minocqua Brewing Company known for its progressive themes, is at the center of this controversy. His establishment is located in the town of Minocqua, in northern Wisconsin.
A photo of Kirk Bangstad, the owner of Minocqua Brewing Company, was shared on the brewery’s Facebook page. (Facebook/Minocqua Brewing Company)
The incident unfolded on the evening of April 25, when shots were reportedly fired inside the Washington Hilton Hotel. At that time, Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and various cabinet members were attending the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. Shortly after the news broke, the brewery posted on Facebook, promising free beer should Trump die.
The Facebook post read: “Well, we almost got #freebeerday. Either a fellow member of the Resistance needs to improve their aim, or he staged another assassination attempt for positive media coverage. We may never know. Regardless, we’re prepared to serve free beer when that day comes.”
The post encouraged supporters to purchase T-shirts that say “I wish it was free beer day at Minocqua Brewing Company.”
“Our celebration of life is going to be legendary!” the post said.
A Google Maps image of the Minocqua Brewing Company in Minocqua, Wisconsin, taken on an unknown date. (Google Maps)
Thursday evening, Bangstad, a Democratic political activist and former political candidate, livestreamed for more than five minutes while two men in suits questioned him on whether he knew anyone or supported anyone who wanted to harm Trump.
The brewery also posted a text transcription of a voicemail Bangstad received from a person he identified as a Secret Service agent, including that person’s phone number.
“Call this number and ask this secret service agent to stand down and honor his oath to his country,” the post urged.
“We only give comments to legitimate news organizations, not state propaganda agencies,” Bangstad told Fox News Digital after a request for comment. “However, maybe one of our customers might want to respond to your question.”
The Minocqua Brewing Company is shown in a Google Earth image amid controversy over its “free beer day” campaign referencing the anticipated death of President Donald Trump. (Google Maps)
Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, is accused of traveling cross-country by train before attempting to assassinate Trump.
He allegedly attempted to storm through a Secret Service checkpoint in the direction of the ballroom where the dinner was being held with a loaded 12-gauge shotgun and several other weapons. He fell to the ground and was apprehended before gaining access to the ballroom.
Allen faces charges of attempting to assassinate the president of the United States, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence and transporting a firearm across state lines.
President Donald Trump posted a photo on social media showing law enforcement detaining Cole Thomas Allen following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, D.C., on April 25, 2026. (US President Trump via Truth Social/Anadolu/Getty Images)
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro also said the suspect will face “many more charges.”
He was arraigned in federal court on Tuesday and returned to court on Thursday for a detention hearing, where a judge ordered him held without bail.
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