California Governor Gavin Newsom will cancel the annual Christmas tree lighting in California’s capital of Sacramento in response to a protest scheduled by the Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights and the potential threats of disruption that could come from that protest.

The group, calling for a ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, had plans to protest during the tree lighting, The Post Millennial reports.

They also aimed to draw attention to what they view as Newsom’s failure to address the situation in Gaza adequately.

The tree lighting event will proceed remotely, with the public only allowed to watch via live stream. A sign reading “KEEP OUT, NO TRESPASSING” has been placed near the tree site, KCRA reports.

The governor’s office cited safety concerns arising from protests across the country as the reason for making the ceremony virtual. This year’s tree lighting, Sacramento’s 92nd annual event, would have included street vendors and performances if held publicly.

The virtual program will feature a blessing from the chairman of the Wilton Rancheria tribe, a performance by the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, and representatives from the Department of Developmental Services’ regional centers. Governor Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, will participate in the virtual event, joined by a 5-year-old Native American girl, recognized as the first Native American child to assist with the ceremony.

The cancellation drew stark criticism from the Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights, accusing Newsom of avoiding public anger over his perceived silence on the Gaza situation. They also argued that this decision contradicts his previous stance with Native Americans.