A photograph of a Minnesota poll worker that spread rapidly across social media and inflamed MAGA-aligned accounts is not what it appeared to be. According to Mediaite, the image — which drew outrage for appearing to invoke the assassination of Charlie Kirk — shows a woman in a Halloween costume, and the poll worker herself is a Republican, according to officials.

The image, showing a woman wearing a bloodied shirt with the words "PROBLEM SOLVED," was first shared on X by user Dustin Grage with the caption: "A poll worker in Minnesota. They just want free healthcare, guys."

By Tuesday evening, the post had drawn more than 4.5 million views, according to Mediaite, and it was picked up by countless MAGA and right-leaning accounts. Among them was James O'Keefe, who complained: "It's illegal for me to ask questions in polling locations about Minnesota's election laws, but THIS is allowed…?"

O'Keefe also asked social media users to "DM us if you're an election judge or poll worker in Minnesota with anything to report."

Conservative commentator Matt Walsh wrote on X: "This person should be in handcuffs on federal charges. This should be the kind of decision that ruins her life. DOJ needs to be on it immediately."

According to Mediaite, however, the woman in the photo — who has not been publicly identified — was wearing a Halloween costume that has been on sale for years.

The City of Rogers, Minnesota, addressed the viral image in a statement posted on Facebook, saying the poll worker was not trying to send a political message and is, in fact, a Republican.

"The City has been made aware of attire worn by an election judge/volunteer on Halloween that some have taken as a political statement. We have spoken with the judge/volunteer in question who has assured us that there was absolutely no political message or intent behind the shirt, that it was worn as Halloween attire, and that they would never be supportive of the apparent message that others have tied to it," the city said. "The election judge in question has given the City permission to note that they are a Republican judge pursuant to the requirement to maintain party balance per Minnesota Statute."

The city added that while the shirt "did not meet the statutory definition regarding prohibitions against political party or campaign messaging at polling places per Minnesota Statute," it takes the responsibility of maintaining a safe and inviting polling location "very seriously," and would have asked the worker to remove or cover up the costume had it been causing confusion.

Confusion nonetheless spread, with additional reactions continuing to surface across social media.

"NOW: Poll worker in MINNESOTA is mocking the assassination of Charlie Kirk with an absolutely demonic shirt," Eric Daugherty wrote on X. "THESE PEOPLE WANT TO CONTROL AMERICA. She needs to be IMMEDIATELY carried out of the polls, and Republicans need to keep voting or these people will take control!"