Almost immediately, von Haefen deactivated her social media accounts and issued an apology, admitting she had edited the video to remove the disturbing image. She insisted: “I condemn political violence in all forms.”
But leaders across the state aren’t buying it. N.C. GOP Chairman Jason Simmons declared: “Her posts do not show the judgment or temperament of someone fit for public office. She should resign.”
House Speaker Destin Hall went further, condemning her “disgraceful behavior” and noting the chilling timing: “On the same weekend a gunman targeted lawmakers in Minnesota, she glorified violence against political opponents — including the President.”
Even Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert rebuked the imagery, saying it “crosses a moral line” and promotes division.
Meanwhile, conservative influencers are calling for her removal. One viral post read: “Julie von Haefen should be nowhere near state power. She pushed tampon bills, union garbage — and now violent fantasies of Trump’s beheading. Remove her.”
The fallout is growing by the hour. Will von Haefen be forced to step down — or will Democrats protect her? One thing is certain: the outrage isn’t going away anytime soon.
