A transgender activist, who previously volunteered for a Democratic congressional candidate in Wisconsin, has called for violence against Republicans in a series of social media videos. The activist, Teha Delaruelle, also vowed to initiate a "trans jihad" against supporters of the MAGA movement.
In one video, Delaruelle is seen in front of a dry-erase board with the message "kill your local Republican" written on it. Delaruelle stated that this sentiment would become the "moderate position for the state of Wisconsin" and urged followers to act within a month, referencing the upcoming Aug. 11 Democratic primary.
In another video, Delaruelle, who identifies as female, declared, "Just a reminder, we are doing trans jihad." A superimposed trans flag featured an arm holding a rifle, with Arabic writing above it. Delaruelle stated the goal was to make "oppressors, the bigots, the animals that make up MAGA" live in fear, reversing the anxiety that marginalized communities have historically experienced.
"We're gonna do the reverse. We're gonna make it so that they will be the ones that have to walk down the streets in fear, anxiety and worry. And we're not gonna make this like, oh, they gotta do this for like, a week or something, where they get really scared. No, this is their new reality. And it's never gonna change," Delaruelle said.
Delaruelle also posted on Substack, referring to an ongoing "genocide" against "trans and queer folk" and stating that the only response is war: "Society desires nothing less than our total extermination, therefore we must destroy their society. We must answer this call to a [sic] existential struggle, our jihad, our Trans Jihad."
Katrina deVille, the Democratic Socialist candidate Delaruelle briefly volunteered for, confirmed that Delaruelle was removed from the campaign team after a short period. DeVille stated that Delaruelle was deemed "deeply troubled" and was creating a "dangerous situation" for the campaign. Delaruelle was subsequently blocked from DeVille's accounts.
DeVille denounced Delaruelle's calls for violence, stating, "I want to be clear that I do not accept or condone violence or threats toward anyone and do not encourage violence, hate, or threats of any kind." She added that Delaruelle's actions made her own life more dangerous and expressed hope that Delaruelle would seek help. Delaruelle did not immediately respond to requests for comment.