When spouting off political rhetoric California Governor Gavin Newsom likes to talk tough, but he has cowered to pressuring surrounding the 92nd Annual California State Capitol Tree Lighting.
He’s also erected a wall.
Newsom has canceled the in-person Sacramento event and will opt for a virtual ceremony because pro-Palestinian protestors planned to be at the event.
The California Highway Patrol has also erected a barricade for most of the capitol building’s west side lawn where the tree is located.
Several signs read, “KEEP OUT, NO TRESPASSING.”
“As we continue to see protests across the country impacting the safety of events of all scales — and for the safety and security of all participating members and guests including children and families — the ceremony this year will be virtual,” the spokesperson said. “The program is unchanged and viewers can tune in Wednesday evening to watch this year’s festivities.”
From Fox News:
The Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights as well as several other organizations had planned to hold a protest at the event, telling the outlet they wanted to “out Gov. Gavin Newsom for hiding from the public because he doesn’t want to face their anger at his shameful stance in regard to the genocide in Gaza.”
“Governor Newsom decided to cancel the tree lighting ceremony rather than face the public that is enraged by his shameful silence on the genocide in Gaza. This certainly doesn’t add up with his past stance with Native Americans,” said Yassar Dahbour of Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights.
Republican leaders in California has slammed Newsom for being a coward.
“First Newsom was silent when terrorist sympathizers stormed his own party convention, and now he’s allowed pro-Hamas radicals to intimidate him into canceling an event that was supposed to spread a message of unity, joy and peace. It’s pathetic that he doesn’t have the spine to stand up to these extremists,” said California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher.
