Canceled by California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s public capitol’s annual Christmas tree lighting, instead opting to host a virtual event amid planned pro-Palestinian protests, according to a report.
According to KCRA, Wednesday’s 92nd Annual California State Capitol Tree Lighting was expected to be an in-person event in Sacramento, but a decision was made to make the event virtual due to planned protests.
An announcement posted Tuesday by the governor’s office said a pre-recorded virtual ceremony will be released Wednesday at 6 p.m.
The California Highway Patrol blocked off much of the west side of the capitol building’s lawn, where the tree was located, according to the report. There are several signs that read “AVOID, NO TRESPASSING.”
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The 2020 Christmas tree is displayed at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images/File)
Initially, Newsom was planning to welcome people to the event, which was supposed to feature multiple business stands and concert performances.
A spokeswoman for Newsom told the outlet that nationwide protests were a factor in the decision to hold the event virtually.
“As we continue to see protests across the country impacting the safety of events at all levels – and for the safety and security of all participating members and guests including children and families – this year’s ceremony will will be virtual,” the spokesperson said. “The program is unchanged and viewers can tune in on Wednesday night to watch this year’s festivities.”
The Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights as well as several other organizations plan to hold a protest at the event, telling the outlet they want to “remove Gov. Gavin Newsom from hiding from the public because he doesn’t want to face their anger. shameful stance regarding the genocide in Gaza.”
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom (Fox News Digital)
“Governor Newsom decided to cancel the tree lighting ceremony rather than face the public outrage over his shameful silence on the genocide in Gaza. This is certainly inconsistent with his past stance on Native Americans,” said Yassar Dahbour of the Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights.
California GOP Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson said in a statement on Fox News Digital that Newsom is a “modern day Grinch.”
“Gavin Newsom still won’t condemn the pro-Hamas and antisemitic protests that shut down his own party’s recent convention, so it’s no wonder he prefers to hide from a spotlight where he risks facing more protesters. Newsom is a modern-day Grinch whose cowardice is punishing the public and small businesses that plan to celebrate this joyous occasion,” Patterson said.
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James Gallagher, California Assembly Republican Leader, said in a statement to Fox News Digital that the decision was “regrettable.”
“First Newsom was silent when terrorist sympathizers attacked his own party convention, and now he’s allowed pro-Hamas radicals to intimidate him into canceling an event that should spread a message of unity, joy and peace. It’s pathetic. he didn’t have the backbone to stand up to these extremists,” Gallagher said.
