BREAKING: Governor Newsom CANCELS Christmas tree lighting ceremony after threats of disruption by pro-Palestinian activists

California Governor Gavin Newsom has cancelled the annual Christmas tree lighting in Sacramento as a protest against Israel was scheduled by the Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights had declared their intention to hold a protest on Tuesday during the tree lighting.

The group has been calling for a ceasefire, which had been in effect for a few days until Hamas refused to abide by the terms of the ceasefire agreement. The group also said they wanted 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."

The tree lighting will continue remotely and the public will only be permitted to watch via live stream. A sign was placed near the site of the tree, reading "KEEP OUT, NO TRESSPASSING."

"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 spokesperson from the governor's office said.

"The program is unchanged and viewers can tune in Wednesday evening to watch this year’s festivities." This is Sacramento's 92nd annual tree lighting. If it had been public, there would have been street vendors and performances.

As part of the live stream, the public will be able to view a blessing from the chairman of the Wilton Rancheria tribe, a performance courtesy of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, and "representatives of the Department of Developmental Serviecs' regional centers," reports KCRA.

KCRA also reports that Newsom will be joined by his "first partner," otherwise known as Newsom's wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom. "First partner" Newsom will host a 5-year-old Native American girl, who is touted as "the first Native American child to assist with the ceremony." Priests and other Christian leaders were not part of the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth, despite it being a major holiday for that religion.

The Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights condemned Newsom's cancellation of the celebration of the birth of Christ, saying "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."