Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) became the target of an alarming protest on Wednesday when far-left activists dropped a cardboard coffin on the doorstep of his home in a stunt some are calling a thinly veiled threat.
The incident, which was captured on video and live-streamed on Facebook, involved silver-haired activists marching in a mock funeral procession up Steil’s driveway before depositing a coffin and flowers at his front door. The sign on the coffin read:
“Here lie the hopes of the most vulnerable killed by the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ signed into law by President Donald J. Trump and endorsed by Lyin’ Bryan Steil. RIP Democracy 1776–2025.”
Personal Threats to Lawmakers on the Rise
The incident highlights a worsening pattern of personal threats and political intimidation facing lawmakers across the country. Steil, who chairs the House Administration Committee, is one of the most senior Republicans in the chamber.
The protest comes just days after a New Jersey lawmaker was set on fire, and amid a broader trend that has seen threats against members of Congress rise nearly 94% this year.
Stunt Organized by Far-Left Groups
The “Death of Democracy” protest was organized by the Southern Wisconsin Grassroots Network and the Working Families Party, both of which supported the stunt and streamed it live online.
Among those seen participating was Ellen Holly, the former chair of the Walworth County Democratic Party, who shared images of the coffin online.
At one point in the video, a protester is heard instructing others:
“We’re not going to hang out here because we’re not going to invite the police to come and ask questions.”
Another asks for the lawmaker’s home address in the comments.
Capitol Police Alerted
According to reports, the U.S. Capitol Police have been made aware of the protest. It is unclear if a formal investigation is underway, or whether any participants will face charges for trespassing or intimidation.
Footage shows participants walking across Steil’s lawn and discussing taking more photos of his house — raising further questions about their intent.
Steil Responds: “Won’t Be Deterred”
“It’s disappointing that Democrat leadership and the radical left resort to these types of tactics,” Steil said in a statement to the New York Post.
“I remain committed to my work to get this country back on track and will not be deterred by their threats.”
Working Families Party Defends Protest
Ravi Mangla, National Press Secretary for Working Families Power, defended the protest in a fiery statement, accusing Steil of being responsible for cuts that endanger lives:
“Seventeen million Americans are going to lose life-saving medical care because of Bryan Steil’s vote. Frankly, that’s a far scarier thing than a group of seniors holding some taped-together cardboard.”
