Leftist Brewery Owner's Death Wishes for Trump Constitute Criminal Threats Requiring Federal Investigation
Source: M.D. Kittle. "Leftist Brewer With Death Wish For Trump Grabs FBI Attention." April 29, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
A brewery owner posted on social media encouraging people to kill Trump and promising free beer when he dies. The author argues these aren't just offensive political comments but actual criminal threats that law enforcement should prosecute.
Conclusion
Kirk Bangstad's social media posts promising free beer when Trump dies constitute criminal threats that cross the line from protected speech to criminal conduct warranting federal investigation
Premises
- Bangstad posted on social media urging would-be Trump assassins to improve their 'marksmanship' and promising 'free beer day' when Trump dies
- These posts occurred in the context of an actual assassination attempt on Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner
- Federal law enforcement agencies (Secret Service and FBI) are now aware of and monitoring these posts
- The posts could constitute a 'bounty' on the president's life, not just protected political speech
- Threatening speech and speech that incites violence are not protected under the First Amendment
- Bangstad shows no remorse and continues to promote violence-themed merchandise and messaging
- There should be accountability for those who incite violence against public officials
Assumptions
- Social media posts can constitute criminal threats even if not explicitly stated as such
- Context matters in determining whether speech crosses from protected to criminal
- Federal agencies' attention indicates the seriousness of potential criminal conduct
- Promising rewards for someone's death can constitute incitement to violence
- Political disagreement does not justify threatening language toward elected officials