North Carolina State Representative Julie von Haefen is facing bipartisan condemnation and growing political fallout after sharing a protest video on social media that included an image of a guillotine sign featuring a beheaded likeness of former President Donald Trump.
The video, originally posted over the weekend, showed scenes from the “No Kings” protest in Raleigh. Among the signs captured was one featuring a mock guillotine, bearing the message, “In these difficult times some cuts may be necessary.” Dangling from either side were disturbing effigies: one resembling Donald Trump’s head adorned with a powdered wig, the other of a man’s head marked with a swastika on the forehead.
The graphic image quickly circulated after being highlighted by the influential Libs of TikTok account on X (formerly Twitter), which called it “sick” and tagged the FBI. In response to the backlash, von Haefen deleted her X account. However, she reposted a version of the protest video to Facebook — this time with the offending image removed.
Wow this is sick. North Carolina State Rep Julie von Haefen (D) posted a photo from the “no kings” protest which calls for Trump to be beheaded‼️ @FBI pic.twitter.com/ETn7O6e8cu
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 15, 2025
In a statement issued via Facebook, von Haefen acknowledged the controversy:
“One of the images of a protestor holding a sign was inappropriate, and I later edited the video to remove the photo.”
She further sought to distance herself from the broader implications, citing the recent politically motivated shootings in Minnesota — which left Democratic House Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband dead, and another lawmaker and spouse injured — as a stark reminder of the consequences of political extremism.
“Let me be clear: I condemn political violence in all forms,” she said. “There is no place for that kind of extremism in our democracy, no matter the target, no matter the party.”
Von Haefen’s explanation has not quelled criticism. Republican lawmakers responded forcefully, pointing to the seriousness of promoting — even unintentionally — imagery of political execution.
“Political violence is not okay — the Left should stop encouraging it,” said Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC).
Speaker of the House Destin Hall issued a sharply worded rebuke and hinted at formal disciplinary measures:
“[We’re] examining next steps with our legislative attorneys to ensure this behavior does not continue… Her disgraceful behavior fails to meet the standards expected from House members and sets a dangerous precedent in an already volatile political climate.”
The North Carolina GOP has gone further, formally calling for von Haefen’s resignation.