‘As we continue to see protests across the country impacting the safety of events of all scales, the ceremony this year will be virtual,’ a rep for the governor said
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the annual state Capitol Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be virtual this year after pro-Palestinian demonstrators announced plans to protest the event.
The pre-recorded event will be posted to the governor’s social media accounts on Wednesday, according to a press release from Newsom’s office.
“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,” a Newsom spokesperson told KCRA. “The program is unchanged and viewers can tune in Wednesday evening to watch this year’s festivities.”
SACRAMENTO | Right now, Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights are marching to the State Capitol. They want Governor Newsom to support a ceasefire in Gaza, adding he should be ashamed for moving a scheduled tree lighting for tonight to a virtual event. @kcranews pic.twitter.com/Hw1enNKvS6
— KCRA Lee Anne Denyer (@KCRALeeAnne) December 6, 2023
The Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights marched to the state Capitol on Tuesday in support of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“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,” Yassar Dahbour of Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights said.
A rep for Newsom’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Messenger.
Several people were arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest near the Rockefeller Center tree-lighting ceremony last week. Demonstrators have also protested tree-lighting ceremonies in other cities, including Boston.
Please think about donating below.