In a shocking display of political recklessness, North Carolina Democrat Julie von Haefen sparked outrage after sharing a video from a “No Kings” protest that included a sign depicting a guillotine with a head resembling President Donald Trump. The incendiary post came at a time when America is already roiled by violent left-wing protests and anti-law enforcement riots, but instead of facing consequences, von Haefen has been defended by her fellow Democrats — further exposing the toxic double standard in today’s political climate.
The far-left lawmaker’s post quickly drew widespread condemnation from conservatives and even some moderates who viewed it as a disgusting call for violence against the former president. Though von Haefen deleted her social media account in the wake of the backlash, she has refused to resign from her legislative seat, leaving many to question the standards held by the North Carolina Democratic Party.
In a tepid apology, von Haefen claimed she was simply sharing footage of the protest and that the image was inappropriate, later removing it from the video. She stated, “Let me be clear: I condemn political violence in all forms,” and insisted her focus remains on “bringing people together” and fighting for the values of North Carolinians. However, her refusal to step down after effectively amplifying a violent threat has drawn fierce criticism.
What’s more disturbing is the response from North Carolina Democrats, who chose to double down on their support for von Haefen rather than condemn her conduct unequivocally. Anderson Clayton, chairwoman of the North Carolina Democratic Party, took the opportunity not to distance the party from the incident but instead to attack Republicans for alleged political violence, seemingly trying to shift the focus away from von Haefen’s dangerous rhetoric.
Clayton pointed fingers at the GOP, accusing them of bankrolling candidates like Mark Robinson and Michele Morrow, both of whom have made controversial statements. She claimed, “Morrow wanted to execute everyone from Barack Obama to our Governor Roy Cooper,” and that Robinson “loudly declared that ‘some folks need killing’ and mocked Paul Pelosi after an assassination attempt.” These allegations have not been substantiated to the degree to warrant such a broad condemnation, yet the Democrats seem more focused on leveling charges against their opponents than addressing the actual threat from their own ranks.
In an attempt to dismiss the outrage as political theater, Clayton labeled the criticism a “manufactured outrage” designed to exploit the tragic killing of state legislators in Minnesota — a senseless murder with unclear political motives. She dismissed tens of thousands of North Carolinians who peacefully protested the woke agenda over the weekend as irrelevant to the real story.
This defensive posture from North Carolina Democrats reveals a disturbing tolerance for extremism within their own party, while simultaneously weaponizing tragedy and political violence allegations against conservatives. It is a clear sign that in today’s divided America, accountability only applies selectively — especially when it comes to left-wing officials calling for violence against political opponents.
As Julie von Haefen continues in office without resigning, North Carolinians must ask whether their elected leaders truly stand for peace and unity — or if they condone dangerous rhetoric that threatens the very fabric of our democracy.
