California Gov. Gavin Newsom cancelled the state's annual Christmas tree lighting in Sacramento after pro-Palestinian demonstrators threatened to protest the ceremony.
Newsom spoke with Fox 11's Elex Michaelson in an interview that premiered Thursday. Michaelson asked Newsom about goods and aid sent from California into the Gaza Strip and Israel amid their military conflict in the Middle East before noting the California governor had cancelled the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the state's Capital.
"What does this say about the state of where we're at right now?" Michaelson asked.
Newsom said it was a "hard" decision to make.
"We always look forward to the kids," Newsom said of the annual celebration. "We have a lot of children that show up at that."
The California governor noted the state's annual celebration hosted children with developmental disabilities.
"We just couldn't risk what was being promoted as a 'die in' or 'sit in' or some protest to shut down Christmas," Newsom said of pro-Palestinian protestors reportedly threatening to demonstrate at the ceremony. "That was unfortunate."
Newsom said the decision to cancel the tree lighting ceremony was "the nature of the moment we're living in."
Newsom referenced his recent visit to Israel and said he "experienced it firsthand."
"Seeing the images, the atrocities of Hamas first-hand," he said. "Seeing, quite literally, a video of someone being decapitated ... watching the decapitation in real time."
Newsom, a father of four, said his heart broke watching children suffer in Gaza.
"The whole thing is devastating and difficult," he said, citing a "rank, open antisemitism."
"It's so vile and unacceptable," he added. "It's a very difficult moment."
Newsom stressed the need for Hamas' elimination for the sake of the Israeli and Palestinian people.
The Fox 11 anchor asked Newsom if he believed a ceasefire from Israel was necessary.
"I wish it was that simple," Newsom responded. "I want this war to end. I want innocent lives not to be lost. I want Hamas eliminated. I want the hostages home."
The California governor also said he wanted a "two-state" solution amidst Israeli and Palestinian conflict over land.
"I want Palestinian people to live free, but Hamas must be eliminated," he said.
Newsom's office announced the Christmas tree lighting ceremony would be held virtually in a Tuesday statement.
"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 said. "The program is unchanged and viewers can tune in Wednesday evening to watch this year’s festivities."
The Christmas tree lighting was originally scheduled to feature business stands and live performances, though the event was cancelled out of fear of "nationwide protests," per another Newsom spokesperson.
Pro-Palestinian groups reportedly planning to protest the event include The Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights, who wanted to “out governor 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," per KCRA 3, and Youth for Palestine, according to The Sacramento Bee.
“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,” said Yassar Dahbour of the Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights.