he Johnson County Republican Party in Kansas is facing criticism following a fundraiser event on Friday, during which attendees were seen assaulting an effigy representing President Joe Biden.
Footage from the event captured individuals kicking, punching, and wielding a bat against a mannequin dressed in a Biden mask and a “Let’s Go Brandon” T-shirt.
Maria Holiday, the chairwoman of the county Republican party, stated in an email to the Kansas City Star that the booth hosting the effigy was run by a Karate school promoting their self-defense class.
Reportedly, the fundraiser featured appearances by former Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline and musician Ted Nugent. Nugent, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, has been known for his opposition to COVID-19 vaccines and has admitted to relationships with underage girls, claiming approval from their parents.
The act of assaulting the effigy has drawn condemnation from individuals across the political spectrum.
“This was not an isolated incident. It occurred at a booth during the GOP fundraiser,” remarked one self-described conservative on X. “This reflects poorly on the GOP. Why would any serious person associate with this?”
Former Kansas Republican Party chair Mike Kuckelman took to Facebook to denounce the event, calling the behavior “shameful” and “WRONG,” and urging the resignation of the current chair, Mike Brown, and Maria Holiday.
“Fellow Republicans, let’s recall our outrage when Kathy Griffin engaged in similarly shameful behavior against President Trump,” Kuckelman emphasized. “We rightly demanded accountability. We must now speak out with equal force against this reprehensible conduct. While I may disagree with President Biden’s policies, he remains a fellow human being. No one should condone or defend such disgraceful actions.”
A Democratic commentator who shared the video on X also condemned the fundraiser as “a repugnant display intended to incite political violence” and echoed calls for Brown’s resignation.
“The same Republicans who vilified Kathy Griffin for her satirical photo with a fake severed head of Trump are now condoning this,” added another X user, referring to the comedian’s controversial photo depicting Trump’s head covered in ketchup.