The owner of an upstate New York venue that was set to host the controversial "ReAwaken America" tour canceled the event after it received a lot of backlash from locals.
Scott Donaldson, Main Street Armory's owner, wrote in an email on Monday that he made his decision after "careful thought" and in response to the concern from the community.
Donaldson said that the Main Street Armory is an equal opportunity and non-partisan. We don't discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or anything else.
Everyone has the right to their own opinions, he said.
Main Street Armory and the organizers of the "ReAwaken America" tour did not respond to Insider's questions.
The "ReAwaken America" tour was supposed to stop in Rochester, New York, on August 12 and 13
It has traveled to states such as Ohio, Florida, Michigan, Colorado, and Texas since it was launched. "ReAwaken America's" first event in New York would have taken place in Rochester.
The events have been described as a breeding ground for far-right extremists. It promotes Christian nationalism that pushes anti-democratic, pro-violence and Q-Anon-inspired ideology according to high-profile Christian leaders.
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, former national security advisor Michael Flynn, and Roger Stone are some of the speakers on the tour.
Flynn and Stone were going to speak in Rochester.
An online petition created by New York residents urged Main Street Armory to withdraw from hosting the tour because it is likely to draw white supremacists and other members of hate groups from around the northeast.
The August 12 and 13 dates are on the anniversary of a white supremacist demonstration that turned violent in Virginia. More than 2000 people have signed the petition.
The "ReAwaken America" tour has caused two bands to threaten to pull their shows from Main Street Armory. Japanese Breakfast, a band nominated for a gramophone, said on Friday that it would not perform on September 27 if the tour went ahead.
In May, local leaders from Monroe County's Democratic Caucus released a statement saying they were deeply disturbed by the tour's stop in Rochester and asked Donaldson to sleep.
Donaldson said in his statement that he canceled the event to show his support for Rochester.
I would like to see you all at future events here. He wrote, "Except for the ones who have threatened myself and staff, you are not welcome."
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