A Wisconsin congressional candidate sparked controversy after posting campaign footage of shooting at Trump-themed targets at a gun range, leading to a swift ban from the state Democratic Party convention and a hasty damage-control effort.
Video Sparks Immediate Backlash
Cooper, a self-described Satanist running for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, deleted the inflammatory campaign video after facing severe criticism from party officials and constituents. The Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidate was barred from speaking at the Democrat Party’s 8th Congressional District convention at UW-Green Bay this weekend. The original post featured Cooper firing weapons at targets depicting President Trump, crossing a line that even party leadership refused to tolerate.
Transgender Socialist Wisconsin Congressional Candidate Deletes Gun Range Video Shooting a Target of President Trump, Posts Weird Rant Walking it Back
Walking Back the Controversy
Cooper attempted to contain the fallout by posting a damage-control video on TikTok, beginning oddly by singing Journey’s “Faithfully.” In the video, Cooper claimed not to advocate violence while simultaneously calling for Trump’s impeachment on day one. The candidate tried to draw a distinction between feeling relief when Trump’s term ends and wishing violence, though the gun range footage suggested otherwise. Cooper also defended a brewery that made similar anti-Trump comments, arguing they weren’t entirely wrong.
Campaign Platform and Background
The controversial candidate runs on a progressive platform including universal healthcare, raising the federal minimum wage, affordable housing, taxing mega churches, and free childcare. Cooper’s campaign is managed by another transgender individual, and the candidate openly identifies as a Satanist. The Democratic Socialists of America formally backs the campaign, representing the party’s far-left wing in the competitive northeast Wisconsin district.
What Happens Next
Neither the Secret Service nor local law enforcement has issued statements about the threatening video as of Sunday. The Wisconsin Democratic Party has not released a formal press statement beyond the internal decision to exclude Cooper from the convention. The 8th Congressional District remains competitive, with Cooper facing several other candidates in the August primary. The incident raises questions about campaign vetting processes and acceptable boundaries for political expression, even in an era of heightened partisan tensions.
