Full Breakdown
New Hampshire Libertarian Party Calls for Assassination of Elected Democrats, Prompting Bipartisan Condemnation
By Drooid · · How we work
Assassination Call Sparks Outcry
The message was later edited but remained online, drawing immediate rebuke from state officials and prompting the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office to confirm awareness of the posts.
Party Background and Recent Controversies
The state party, chaired by former U.S. Senate candidate Jeremy Kauffman, claims roughly 10,000 members but rarely fields candidates. In May, the Libertarian National Committee voted 15-2 to cut ties with the New Hampshire affiliate for “numerous anti-libertarian positions” and a 2024 endorsement of President Donald Trump. Earlier social-media activity from the same account endorsed the killing of former Executive Councilor Andru Volinsky and, in September 2024, praised anyone who would murder then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
Official Reactions
Governor Kelly Ayotte described the post as “irresponsible and dangerous,” urging investigation and prosecution. The New Hampshire Attorney General’s office acknowledged the posts but declined further comment. State House Democratic leader Alexis Simpson reported the threat to both the attorney general and the Legislature’s security director.
Opposition from Democrats and Republicans
Democratic leaders—including Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill, Congressman Chris Pappas, gubernatorial nominee Cinde Warmington, and Rep. Maggie Goodlander—condemned the call as a “disgusting glorification of political violence” and warned it endangers public servants. Republican congressional candidate Lily Tang Williams labeled the message “dangerous and unacceptable,” echoing the governor’s call for accountability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This type of behavior is irresponsible and dangerous. Violent rhetoric has no place in our politics, and threats like this should be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” — Gov. Kelly Ayotte
- “This was a really specific call to violence against a particular group of people that I happen to be a part of,” — New Hampshire Executive Councilor, former executive
- “Our citizen-led government is a model for the nation, and we must ensure everyone can engage in democracy without fear of intimidation or violence,” — Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas
- “Threats of political violence against elected Democrats — against anyone — are abhorrent, beyond the pale, and endanger public servants across our state.” — Cinde Warmington, the Democratic nominee for governor
- “This is not liberty. This is anti-American. It is downright dangerous. And no matter where you fall, which party you are in, where you fall on the ideological spectrum, this is something that should unite us as Americans in condemning,” — Rep. Maggie Goodlander
- “I condemn, with every fiber of my being, the threats of and calls for murder from the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire,” — Rep. Maggie Goodlander