Photo: Alamy
North Carolina state Democratic Rep. Julie von Haefen is facing mounting criticism after posting a video to social media that included an image depicting a bloody guillotine and a reference to President Donald Trump.
Von Haefen came under fire Saturday when the image circulated online showing a protester holding a sign with a guillotine bearing the phrase, “In these difficult times, some cuts may be necessary,” alongside what appeared to be a representation of a decapitated Trump. The photo was included in a video she shared from the “No Kings” protest in Raleigh.
Von Haefen later removed the image and addressed the controversy in a statement on Facebook, saying, “One of the images of a protester holding a sign was inappropriate, and I later edited the video to remove the photo. Let me be clear: I condemn political violence in all forms.”
She added, “My focus remains on bringing people together and fighting for the values that matter to North Carolinians. Like so many, I was horrified by the violence in Minnesota. There is no place for that kind of extremism in our democracy, no matter the target, no matter the party.”
Despite her denunciation of violence, von Haefen has not issued an apology. Her original caption praised the event, stating, “No Kings Protest in Raleigh. Amazing turnout all across the Triangle today,” and tagged the Wake County and North Carolina Democratic Parties.
The social media post drew sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers and constituents. Rep. Erin Paré, a Republican also from Wake County, said the post was “horrible,” especially in light of recent deadly political violence.
“This is why reasonable people are leaving the Democrat Party in North Carolina,” Paré said. “This is a sitting state legislator who is publicly applauding the beheading of President Trump just hours after a state legislator in our country and her spouse were murdered in cold blood.”
Von Haefen, an attorney licensed in multiple states, was first elected to the House in 2018 and has served three subsequent terms.
The “No Kings” protests were organized in response to Trump’s parade marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Events were held in more than 1,700 locations nationwide.
