NH Libertarian Party X Post Calling for Democrat Assassinations Draws Bipartisan Condemnation

Key points

• The New Hampshire Libertarian Party (LPNH) posted on X on Tuesday, stating, 'We openly support the assassination of basically every elected Democrat in New Hampshire.'
• The post, attributed to party chair Jeremy Kauffman, also included a call to 'light Democrats on fire' and suggested voting for the GOP if one lacked the courage to commit violence.
• The national Libertarian Party disavowed the post, noting that LPNH was decertified in May for violating party rules, including endorsing Donald Trump over the Libertarian candidate.
• Governor Kelly Ayotte and Democratic leaders condemned the post, with Rep. Alexis Simpson contacting the Attorney General and legislative security to investigate the threats.
• The national party identified the 'Granite State Libertarian Party' as the legitimate affiliate, stating that LPNH does not represent the party's core principle of non-aggression.

Background

This incident follows a pattern of violent rhetoric from the LPNH account, including previous threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and former Executive Councilor Andru Volinsky. Kauffman, a former U.S. Senate candidate, has ties to the Free State Project and local Republican lawmakers. The national Libertarian Party decertified the NH chapter in May after it endorsed Trump, a move that violated the party's non-candidate endorsement rules. In the broader political landscape, New Hampshire recently saw a significant Democratic turnout advantage in primary elections, with Democrats casting roughly 40,000 more votes than Republicans in Senate races.

How outlets are covering it

Outlets differ in their framing of the political implications. NHPR and WCAX emphasize the bipartisan condemnation, noting that both Governor Ayotte (R) and Democratic leaders like Rep. Maggie Goodlander and Rep. Alexis Simpson called for investigation. InDepthNH.org provides deeper context on Kauffman’s ties to the Free State Project and notes that the Attorney General’s office did not take action on previous threats against Volinsky. WMTW highlights the national party’s formal disavowal and the distinction between the decertified LPNH and the legitimate 'Granite State Libertarian Party.' Buckley (D) framed the issue as a 'breeding ground for Free Staters' within the Republican Party, while the national Libertarian Party emphasized the ideological difference between true libertarianism and 'extremist GOP' rhetoric.

Why it matters

The post represents a significant escalation in political rhetoric in New Hampshire, potentially threatening the safety of elected officials. It raises legal questions about the boundaries of free speech versus incitement to violence. The incident also highlights internal fractures within the libertarian movement and the growing influence of fringe groups in state politics.

What to watch

The New Hampshire Attorney General’s office is aware of the post but has not yet announced an investigation. It is unclear whether the post will be prosecuted as incitement or treated as protected speech. The national Libertarian Party has rejected the local chapter's appeal for reinstatement. Democratic leaders are monitoring security for state legislators.