North Carolina Democratic state Rep. Julie von Haefen is under intense scrutiny after sharing a photo from a “No Kings” protest that featured a graphic depiction of a beheaded President Donald Trump. Although von Haefen quickly deleted the post and later deactivated her social media account, the image had already spread widely, sparking a firestorm of backlash and calls for a federal investigation. Von Haefen issued a public apology, but critics remain unconvinced. Prominent conservative accounts, including Libs of TikTok, accused her of promoting political violence, stating, “She knew exactly what she was doing. She’s just sorry she got caught.” Some social media users are demanding she be banned from federal buildings or investigated by the Secret Service.

The controversy unfolds at a time of heightened political tensions in the U.S., where violent rhetoric and actions have increasingly targeted public figures. Former President Trump, who survived two assassination attempts during the 2024 campaign, remains a particularly sensitive subject. The image shared by von Haefen was widely condemned as inflammatory and dangerous, even among some on the left. Critics argue that elected officials must be held to the highest standards of conduct, regardless of political affiliation, especially when their actions could incite violence or erode public trust. Calls for von Haefen’s resignation continue to grow, with opponents warning that such displays of extremism deepen political division and threaten the stability of civil discourse.