Bar donating 100% of sales to family of Cayler Ellingson on Saturday

NEW ROCKFORD, N.D. (Valley News Live) - Buck-it’s Bar in New Rockford, ND says it will be giving 100% of its sales to the family of 18-year-old Cayler Ellingson on Saturday, September 24th.

Early Sunday morning, Cayler was allegedly ran over by 41-year-old Shannon Brandt after a politically motivated argument in McHenry, ND. Cayler was later pronounced dead at a Carrington Hospital. Court documents say that Brandt told State Radio that a pedestrian was part of a Republican extremist group and that he was afraid they were “coming to get him.” Brandt later admitted to deputies that he hit Ellingson with his car because he had a political argument with him.

The story has gained national attention among some of the top network news outlets like Fox News, CBS News and The Washington Post.

North Dakota’s Governor Doug Burgum responded with a statement Wednesday night on his Twitter page saying, “Tonight we pray for the family of Cayler Ellingson in the aftermath of their tragic and unnecessary loss. Violence is never the answer to disagreements of any kind, including political, and those who perpetrate it must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” Donald Trump Jr. also took to Twitter Wednesday night regarding the story, with the caption, “Joe Biden’s America!”

Gov. Burgum's response(Valley News Live)

Court documents say just before the crash, Ellingson called his mom and asked if they knew who Brandt was. She said yes, and told her son she was on her way to pick him up. A short time later, court documents say Ellingson called his mom again to say that “he” or “they” were chasing him. It was after the second call that Ellingson could not be reached again.

Brandt has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide and DUI and he posted $50,000 bond on Tuesday and was released.

The owner of Buck-it’s Bar, Justin McDonald, says he wants to help show support for the family in this devastating time, adding that Ellingson was one of the best kids he knew. Along with the sales going towards the family, there will also be free-will donation jars around to contribute that way. If you’re unable to make it, there is a GoFundMe also setup to support the family.