Republicans Call for Democrat State Rep. Julie von Haefen to Resign

Franklin County Republicans joined the North Carolina Republican Party in condemning a social media post, which included an image of the likeness of President Trump being beheaded. The graphic photo was posted by a Democrat State Representative from Wake County.

The Franklin County Republicans indicated they strongly condemn the actions of North Carolina State Democrat Representative Julie von Haefen for her overt promotion and approval of extreme political violence against elected officials.

"Her posting of a protester in Raleigh holding a horrific, disgusting sign with severed heads hanging next to a guillotine shows she has an extreme lack of good judgment. NC does not need any elected officials in either the Democrat or the Republican party who condone and openly promote murder and violence," Franklin County party leaders indicated in a written statement. They added, "von Haefen has now condemned her initial actions once she realized she was rightly being judged for her lack of common sense and good instincts. We call for von Haefen to be expelled from her position in the NC House. Wake County deserves better. The Franklin County GOP also strongly supports NC Rep. Keith Kidwell R-Beaufort and his bill making threatening local officials a felony."

The State GOP issued a news release, which condemned the Representative's post.

"The North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) is calling for Democratic State Rep. Julie von Haefen to resign following her shocking social media post indicating support for the assassination of President Donald Trump," a news release said.

"At a so-called 'No Kings' Rally protesting the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday Celebration in Raleigh on Saturday, von Haefen shared a graphic photo showing President Trump being beheaded with a guillotine. 

"Rep. von Heafen herself confirmed the posts and deleted her X account in response to widespread outrage.

"That Rep. von Haefen posted the photos hours after two Minnesota state representatives were targeted in assassinations, with one of the victims being fatally shot, is shocking.

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

Additionally, N.C. House Speaker Destin Hall wrote about the incident, saying,

"Her disgraceful behavior fails to meet the standards expected from House members and sets a dangerous precedent in an already volatile political climate. I am examining next steps with our legislative attorneys to ensure this behavior does not continue."