For the past 91 years California governors have taken part in the annual Christmas tree lighting on the grounds of the state capitol in Sacramento. But this year Gov. Gavin Newsom ended the tradition.
The Democrat executive surrendered to pro-Palestinian activists who threatened to disrupt the ceremony.
“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 television station KCRA. “The program is unchanged and viewers can tune in Wednesday evening to watch this year’s festivities.”
The ceremony was held remotely, and Newsom’s office provided a recording and stream on the governor’s social media accounts.
So much for the yuletide season.
The Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights had planned to protest at the tree lighting as a way 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 spokesman Yassar Dahbour.
James Gallagher, California Assembly Republican Leader, said in a statement to Fox News Digital that the decision is “pathetic.”
“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 Gallagher.