North Carolina state lawmaker deletes X account after post with 'inappropriate' protest image

Ronni Butts, The Charlotte Observer on Jun 16, 2025

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RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina state Rep. Julie von Haefen is under fire after posting a video on social media including a protester holding a sign with an image of a guillotine and a mask of what appears to be a beheaded Donald Trump.

The sign reads, “In these difficult times, some cuts may be necessary.”

The picture was taken during Raleigh’s downtown No Kings protest Saturday.

Von Haefen deleted her account on X, formerly known as Twitter, after criticism of the post.

A press release late Monday morning from the state Republican Party called for the Apex Democrat’s resignation “following her shocking social media post indicating support for the assassination of President Donald Trump.”

“The posts Rep. von Haefen shared do not show the judgement or temperament of someone to hold public office. For the good of her constituents to have effective representation, she should resign,” NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons said in the press release.

The post followed recent acts of apparent political violence. Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in their home Saturday morning. Earlier that day, Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and wounded in their home. A suspect was arrested Sunday.

In a statement to The N&O, Von Haefen said, “One of the images of a protester holding a sign was inappropriate, and I later edited the video to remove the photo. Some online sources have incorrectly reported that I am the person in the photo with the sign, which is not true.

“Let me be clear: I condemn political violence in all forms. 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.”

Von Haefen posted a similar statement on Facebook clarifying her post.

Republican Rep. Tricia Cotham of Mecklenburg County posted a screenshot of von Haefen’s tweet and said, “Rep. von Haefen’s post is DESPICABLE. Her decision to use an image where the President is beheaded & a swastika is present is disgusting. Her actions threaten our democracy and encourage political violence. Shame on you.”

Republican House Speaker Destin Hall released a statement on Sunday condemning von Haefen’s actions, calling them “disgraceful.” Hall said that he is consulting his legislative attorneys to address the behavior.

House Democratic Leader Robert Reives’ office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday morning.