By James P. Economos DDS, Opinion Contributor
A disturbing moment followed the recent attempted attack targeting Donald Trump during an event tied to the White House Correspondents’ gathering. Thankfully, security intervened before anyone was harmed.
But what came next is just as alarming.
Instead of relief that violence was prevented, some on the radical left expressed anger that the attack failed. That reaction speaks volumes about how extreme and dangerous political rhetoric has become.
Among the most shocking responses came from Kirk Bangstad, owner of the Minocqua Brewing Company in Wisconsin. Rather than condemning the attempted attack, Bangstad reportedly suggested he would celebrate if such an act were to succeed in the future.
“Regardless, we stand at the ready to pour free beer the day it happens!”
That is not political speech. That is open hostility toward human life.
Bangstad’s business leans heavily into progressive branding, offering products like “Woke Coffee” and “Progressive Beer.” That’s his right. But when a business owner appears to endorse violence, it crosses a clear moral line.
Reports also point to inflammatory content tied to his platform, including statements wishing harm on Trump. Regardless of politics, that kind of rhetoric is unacceptable in a civil society.
This is the real danger: when political opponents are no longer seen as fellow Americans, but as enemies. That mindset fuels division and invites chaos.
Consumers have every right to respond. They can choose where to spend their money – and where not to. Retailers should also reconsider carrying products from companies associated with this kind of extremism.
At the same time, this incident underscores the importance of security at major events. As threats grow, protecting public officials and attendees must remain a priority.
This is bigger than politics. It’s about basic decency. If we tolerate language that celebrates violence, we shouldn’t be surprised when it leads to real-world consequences.
