NC Democrat apologizes for post of protest sign appearing to show beheaded Trump
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Rep. Julie von Haefen apologized for posting protest video with graphic imagery.
- Critics like Moms for Liberty and the state GOP called for her removal or resignation.
- House Speaker Destin Hall warned lawmakers about risks of social media posts.
Rep. Julie von Haefen apologized Tuesday evening on the floor of the state House of Representatives after her controversial social media post following Saturday’s No Kings protest.
The Facebook post by the Apex Democrat contained a video with an image of a protester holding a sign with a guillotine and a mask appearing to be a beheaded President Donald Trump.
The post sparked criticism, including from a committee of the state chapter of Moms for Liberty, a socially conservative education advocacy group, which asked that von Haefen be removed from an education committee. The North Carolina Republican Party called for her resignation.
“This weekend, I shared a video montage on Facebook that included an image that was inappropriate. I realized that quickly and took the post down, and I want to apologize today,” von Haefen said on the House floor.
“I apologize to members of the House, to my constituents and to any North Carolinian who is offended by what I posted. I’m sorry. Everyone of us needs to take accountability for when we make mistakes. I am taking that accountability today, and I appreciate the opportunity to do so. Thank you.”
Following von Haefen’s apology, House Speaker Destin Hall encouraged House members to be mindful of what they post on social media.
“One of the things you learn here is, you have the ability to make national news, if you post something you shouldn’t online, and what that ends up doing is putting not only you and yourself in danger, but other members of this body,” Hall said.
Hall also mentioned the targeted political attacks on Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband as well as state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, who were all shot in their homes on Saturday. Hortman and her husband, former Raleigh resident and UNC graduate Mark Hortman, were killed.
Hall later told reporters that von Haefen’s actions were “inappropriate” and that further action may still be taken against her.
“Ultimately, the body decides on what consequences are of things. I can decree one way or the other, but they get to decide at the end of the day,” Hall said.
Von Haefen declined a request for further comment from The News & Observer.
This story was originally published June 17, 2025 at 7:34 PM.
