A former campaign volunteer for a Wisconsin Democratic Socialist candidate has been removed from the campaign after posting multiple videos calling for violence against Republicans and promoting what the individual termed a “trans jihad” against conservative Americans.
Disturbing Online Content Surfaces
Teha Delaruelle, 27, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, posted a video showing a dry-erase board with the message “kill your local Republican” written in marker. In the footage, Delaruelle stated an intention to make this “the moderate position for the state of Wisconsin” and urged viewers to help accomplish this goal before the August 11 Democratic primary. Delaruelle had volunteered for Katrina deVille’s campaign to unseat GOP Representative Tony Wied, a Trump supporter.
Additional videos featured explicit calls for a “trans jihad” against what Delaruelle characterized as “the oppressor, the bigots, the animals that make up MAGA.” The activist stated that marginalized groups should no longer “walk down the streets with anxiety, with fear” and suggested turning the tables on perceived opponents.
Claims of Genocide and Existential Threat
In a Substack post published earlier this month, Delaruelle claimed transgender individuals face “genocide” in America. The post asserted that transgender identity is “illegal in half the country” and that such individuals are “hunted, excluded, and murdered.” Delaruelle wrote that “society desires nothing less than our total extermination” and called for destroying society in response, characterizing it as an “existential struggle.”
The videos referenced recent policy developments, including Idaho legislation regarding bathroom usage and Texas Children’s Hospital creating a detransition clinic. These developments appear to have motivated Delaruelle’s rhetoric.
Candidate Responds and Removes Volunteer
DeVille, the candidate for whom Delaruelle volunteered, issued a clear statement condemning the violent rhetoric. “I want to be clear that I do not accept or condone violence or threats toward anyone,” deVille stated, adding that the threats have made the candidate’s own life “more dangerous.” DeVille explained that Delaruelle was removed as a volunteer after becoming “deeply troubled” and “actively creating a dangerous situation around my campaign.”
The incident highlights growing concerns about political rhetoric and the potential for online extremism to translate into real-world consequences. DeVille expressed hope that Delaruelle would “get help and find peace” and that no one becomes endangered by this situation.
