The heavy metal band Gwar drew widespread criticism over the weekend after staging graphic mock assassinations of President Donald Trump and Tesla chief Elon Musk during their performance at Chicago’s Riot Fest.

The concert took place Saturday and quickly gained attention once videos of the performance were posted on social media.

The footage showed a mannequin designed to resemble Elon Musk wearing a ball cap and a black DOGE t-shirt.

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A band member beheaded the figure with a sword, with streams of fake blood spraying from the mannequin.

Saw a friend’s video from Riot Fest—GWAR mock-beheaded Elon Musk on stage. That’s not edgy, it’s grotesque and reckless and normalizes violence against a real person. This is not okay. Riot Fest and GWAR crossed a major line. #RiotFest #GWAR #ElonMusk @RiotFest @gwar @elonmusk @X pic.twitter.com/ngr0GRVbP9

— karen (@hottakekaren) September 20, 2025

Later in the set, the band also eviscerated a figure dressed to resemble President Trump.

Watch as the terrible band known as GWAR disrespects President Trump during one of their concerts. pic.twitter.com/ZjO1hk1cgW

— Brandon (@LibOrNormal) May 13, 2025

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The violent displays drew sharp reactions across social media, with many users condemning the timing and content of the spectacle.

Critics pointed to the recent assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and said the performance was particularly inappropriate given recent events.

“Listen I know they do this to every leader and even did Obama but after what happened with Charlie Kirk last week it’s just retarded timing,” one X user posted.

Riot Fest organizers defended the performance and dismissed criticism.

In response to one comment on X that said “GWAR crossed a major line,” the festival’s official account replied, “Like I know this is a rage bait engagement farming Twitter account, but ‘GWAR crossed a major line’ is one of the funniest f**king things I’ve ever heard.”

Like I know this is a rage bait engagement farming twitter account, but “GWAR crossed a major line” is one of the funniest fucking things I’ve ever heard. https://t.co/lGIamyKnSi

— Riot Fest (@RiotFest) September 21, 2025

When another user expressed concern over the portrayal of political assassinations, festival officials fired back with, “Shut the fuck you dork ass loser.”

The responses only fueled further debate online, as some argued the festival should show greater sensitivity given the national climate.

Others noted that Gwar has a long history of using violent stage theatrics to parody political figures, celebrities, and fictional characters alike.

Gwar, formed in the mid-1980s, is known for its elaborate costumes and shock performances, often featuring exaggerated depictions of violence aimed at political leaders across the spectrum.

Supporters of the band said Saturday’s performance was consistent with that tradition, while critics said the targeting of Trump and Musk crossed a line in light of current events.

The Riot Fest show added to ongoing discussions about the boundaries between satire, performance art, and political commentary.

While the band has not issued a statement in response to the controversy, the organizers’ dismissive replies on X indicated no intention of addressing complaints.

Saturday’s performance ensured that Riot Fest, which regularly draws large crowds to Chicago each year, became the center of a wider online firestorm.

With the combination of recent political violence and the choice of public figures depicted on stage, the concert has sparked national attention and reignited debate over what is considered acceptable entertainment in the current political climate.

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