A Wisconsin congressional candidate faces severe backlash after posting then deleting a campaign video showing shooting at Trump-themed targets at a gun range. The Wisconsin Democratic Party banned the candidate from speaking at their 8th District convention this weekend.
Campaign Video Sparks Immediate Consequences
Cooper, running for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, posted campaign imagery depicting firing at targets featuring President Trump. The video drew immediate condemnation and was swiftly removed. Party officials moved quickly to distance themselves, barring Cooper from the Democrat convention scheduled at UW-Green Bay. No law enforcement or Secret Service statements have been issued regarding the threatening imagery as of Sunday.
Bizarre Walkback Video Posted
Following the severe blowback, Cooper posted a TikTok video attempting damage control. The video opened with Cooper singing Journey’s “Faithfully” before addressing the controversy. Cooper claimed not to advocate violence while simultaneously calling for Trump’s impeachment on “day one” in office. The candidate maintained the brewery wasn’t entirely wrong for expressing relief about the president’s term ending, drawing a distinction between wishing violence and wanting Trump removed from office.
Campaign Profile Raises Questions
Cooper describes himself as an “openly proclaimed Satanist” and runs with a campaign manager who is also a trans-identified male. The Democratic Socialists of America backs the campaign. Cooper’s platform emphasizes universal healthcare, raising the federal minimum wage, affordable housing, taxing mega churches, and free childcare as top priorities. The 8th District remains competitive in northeast Wisconsin.
Democrat Party Response Limited
The Wisconsin Democrat Party has not released any formal press statement beyond the internal decision to exclude Cooper from the convention. Several candidates are seeking the Democrat nomination ahead of the August primary in the competitive 8th Congressional District. Cooper remains one of multiple contenders despite the controversy surrounding the deleted video. Party officials have maintained silence on whether additional actions will be taken regarding the campaign.
