Republicans of Georgia’s Cobb County have opted to cancel a vigil scheduled for Jan. 6 honoring “patriots” who stormed the Capitol last year.
The party said that the “mischaracterization of the event scheduled for January 6th and the ensuing concerns for the safety of those in attendance” led it to call off the event, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Cobb County GOP released details of the program on Sunday, resulting in criticism from the public and other political officials. The program was supposed to include a livestream of former President Trump’s now-canceled press conference and a call to action, the news outlet noted.
State Rep. Teri Anulewicz (D) reportedly blasted the plans as an “homage to treason.”
The event was also going to hold a candlelight vigil for the “J6 Patriots,” which included nearly 30 rioters who are facing charges related to Jan. 6, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
Former Cobb County Republican Party Chair Jason Shepherd shared with the news outlet that he was relieved that the events would not be taking place on Thursday.
“They made the right choice,” he said. “It will go a long way into encouraging unity among Cobb Republicans.”