Backlash ensues after the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire calls for assassinations, again

The Libertarian Party of New Hampshire is facing backlash after calling for the assassination of “basically every elected Democrat” in the state in a now-deleted X post. 

This wasn’t a first for the LPNH. The group has a history of calling for assassinations of elected officials, and voicing other extreme and divisive rhetoric online that ultimately led to their disaffiliation with the National Libertarian Party. 

In the past, the NHLP has condoned the assassination of Kamala Harris, used its platform to direct homophobic rhetoric at Libertarian presidential nominee Chase Oliver, and openly criticized the national party’s effectiveness. 

The national party cut ties with the LPNH in May, due to the “unfortunate culmination of years of behavior in violation of the Libertarian Party’s platform,” Libertarian National Committee Chair Evan McMahon said in a statement posted on social media. 

The Libertarian Party Judicial Committee later unanimously rejected LPNH’s appeal and the national party now recognizes the Granite State Libertarian Party as its New Hampshire affiliate. 

In a statement regarding LPNH’s most recent statement, the national party said calling for violence goes against the party’s ideals. 

“The Non-Aggression Principle is a fundamental core of libertarianism,” the party said on social media. “It is not optional, and it is central to what our party stands for.”

Many New Hampshire Democrats, and some Republicans, took to social media to voice their disapproval of LPNH’s post. 

“Rhetoric calling for political assassination has no place in New Hampshire or our country — something we should all be able to agree on regardless of our political beliefs,” U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, who is currently running for Senate in New Hampshire, said in a statement. “We work out our differences through the democratic process where we engage in civil debate and seek common ground whenever possible.” 

U.S. Rep Maggie Goodlander called on the New Hampshire Attorney General and federal law enforcement to investigate the threat. 

“I condemn, with every fiber of my being, the threats of and calls for murder from the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire,” she said on social media. “…You can disagree with someone as deeply as humanly possible. But in the United States of America you cannot call for their killing and go unpunished.” 

Lily Tang Williams, a Republican congressional nominee challenging Goodlander, condemned LPNH’s promotion of political violence. 

“Political violence has no place in America — period,” she said in a statement. “As someone who survived an oppressive communist regime where political violence was common, I know we should never take for granted our ability to settle disagreements through free speech, peaceful debate, and elections.” 

Days after the controversial post was made, LPNH chair Jeremy Kauffman posted a screenshot showing that the LPNH account had been temporarily locked for a week or more for breaking X’s rules. 

“It remains a major asymmetry that communists can openly argue for mass enslavement, but patriots cannot advocate for self-defense,” Kauffman said in regards to LPNH’s temporary suspension. 

LPNH said on social media earlier this month it offered to turn over all of its assets to the Granite State Libertarian Party, including its social media account, but the offer was rejected by the national party. 

The national Libertarian party leadership team said it is “reviewing all legal options to protect the Party’s brand of freedom, peace, and prosperity,” according to the Boston Globe.