Local Republican Party officials in Colorado have canceled a planned fundraiser for South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem amidst a storm of alleged death threats. Scheduled to take place at the West Marriott hotel in Denver, the event was called off due to concerns over safety, with threats directed not only at the organizers but also at the venue and the governor herself.
Nancy Lappozi, chair of the Jefferson County Republican Party, highlighted the seriousness of the threats, indicating that they couldn’t risk potential harm to attendees, hotel guests, or staff. She pointed to alarming comments from what she termed “political extremists” and a planned protest led by the organization Progress Now, which she claimed is funded by George Soros.
The cancellation comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding excerpts from Noem’s forthcoming book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward.” The book, set for release soon, has already ignited fierce criticism from both Republican and Democratic circles.
One contentious passage recounts Noem’s claim of shooting a family dog she deemed dangerous, while another suggests a purported encounter with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during her time on the House Armed Services Committee, a claim disputed by others. Additionally, Noem alleges a threat from Nikki Haley, though Haley’s staff refutes the claim, citing a discrepancy in the timeline.
In light of these controversies and the escalating threats, the cancellation underscores the increasingly fraught landscape of American politics. As the nation grapples with deep-seated divisions, events like these serve as poignant reminders of the challenges facing public figures and the broader political discourse. As Lappozi aptly summarized, “We could not take the risk that those who made threats would cause physical harm.” It’s simply not worth the risk when you have the attention of the more volatile individuals.
