A Colorado county Republican club canceled a Saturday fundraiser that South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem was supposed to keynote after receiving death threats in the days leading up to the event. Noem is still dealing with the aftermath of her dog-killing scandal.
In a statement released on Friday, Jefferson County GOP chair Nancy Pallozzi claimed that the group had “no prior knowledge of the contents of the book” when Noem agreed to headline the annual fundraiser one month ago. The organization and the governor’s office “mutually decided” on Wednesday night that the danger was too high, according to Pallozzi.
“Our organization, the hotel, and the Governor and her staff have been the targets of numerous threats and/or death threats in the past few days,” Pallozzi stated. “We were deeply concerned about the safety and security of our event attendees, other guests, and their staff, and the Denver West Marriott also received alarming comments about it.”
Additionally, Pallozzi brought up a demonstration that was supposed to happen outside the progressive organization’s Saturday fundraiser. Protesters, including members of the local branch of Progress Now, were planning to bring placards and even their dogs to the event. People who kill puppies will not be welcomed in Colorado, according to a protest poster.
“Our number one concern is safety for all,” Pallozzi stated, adding that they were aware the event would be “affected by mainstream media coverage.” He continued, “When extremist organizations such as Progress Now organize a protest, the outcome is never good and someone always gets hurt.”
When HEADLINESFOREVER reached out to Progress Now for comment, they did not get back to us right away.
In response to the “public outcry on the Governor’s book,” Pallozzi stated that the Jefferson County Republican Party would not be taking a stand.
Noem, who has been mentioned as a strong candidate to replace Trump as running mate, is still dealing with the fallout from last week’s article in The Guardian about her forthcoming book, “No Going Back,” in which she discussed her choice to shoot and kill her 14-month-old puppy, Cricket. Despite criticism from both parties, Noem is standing firm on her decision from 20 years ago.
After directing HEADLINESFOREVER to Pallozzi’s statement, a Noem representative declined to comment on the event’s cancellation.
This weekend, Noem will be back to Trump’s Palm Beach, Florida, home to speak to wealthy contributors in a retreat hosted by the Republican National Committee and Trump himself. Saturday morning, Noem is set to participate in a “breakfast conversation” with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, with RNC Chair Michael Whatley serving as the moderator.
On Sunday, the governor will also make an appearance on “Face the Nation” on CBS.