California Democrats cancel events for ‘safety’ amid pro-Palestinian demonstrations

Demonstrators demanding a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war prompt California Democratic Party officials to cancel evening events during their state convention  “for the safety and security of our delegates.”

California Democrats have been meeting in Sacramento this weekend to consider candidate endorsements ahead of the March primary. That includes the state’s competitive US Senate race featuring four Democrats, including three sitting US House members.

The convention was disrupted multiple times Saturday afternoon by pro-Palestinian demonstrators demanding a cease-fire in Gaza. Party officials had increased security for the weekend convention, requiring participants to be scanned and have their bags searched before entering the convention hall.

Following the afternoon session, a large crowd of demonstrators gathered at the hall. Sacramento police closed some roads near the convention center but soon reopened them.

Shortly after voting ended party endorsements, Democratic Party spokesperson Shery Yang said the evening’s events had been canceled.

“Due to circumstances beyond our control, and for the safety and security of our delegates and convention participants, we are cancelling tonight’s caucus meetings, hospitality suites and VoteFest taking place at the convention center,” Yang says.