“A Riverside [white nationalist] rally that was to feature two controversial members of Congress was canceled late Friday, July 16 — about 24 hours before it was set to begin. The abrupt cancellation capped a day filled with outrage and demands to cancel the event as well as plans to protest the planned appearance of Republican Reps. Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene in an “America First” rally at the Riverside Convention Center,” reports Press-Enterprise.com.
“City officials reported late Friday they were notified by operators of the convention center that the rally planned for Saturday evening, July 17, won’t take place. A ‘candlelight vigil for democracy’ protesting the now-canceled appearance was scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday in front of Riverside City Hall, according to a Twitter post.Riverside officials expressed relief late Friday.”
“‘I recognize this was a divisive issue in our community, and I am glad it has been resolved,’ Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said, commending the operator in a statement. ‘Riverside is a diverse and inclusive community, so it is heartening to hear that this event will not move forward,’ Mayor Pro Tem Gaby Plascencia said. ‘I am disappointed we even got to this point, because these speakers are the antithesis of everything Riverside stands for.'”