UPDATE–Senate Candidate Can’t Use John Dam Plaza, Already Reserved
The candidate who plans to run against Senator Maria Cantwell in November is coming to Richland this weekend, but will have to find another venue for his rally.
Joey Gibson, the founder of the Patriot Prayer group, had planned to rally at the John Dam Plaza from 11am to 2pm. However, Richland city officials say that area, including the entire park and stage, have been reserved for the ARC of the Tri-Cities for their March for Respect.
Their reservation is from 10am to 3pm. Gibson would have use of the sidewalk running along George Washington Way, but apparently city officials indicate they seem to be leery of the rally.
Gibson organized the pro-Trump rally that drew thousands in Portland, and also drew members of Portland's Antifa group, who clashed with the pro-Trump crowd. We reported earlier a plan to use a Kennewick hotel for the rally was cancelled after Gibson's people said the hotel received numerous security threats. Gibson's people say the threats came from the same groups who also threatened the Portland Rose Parade last year, and also clashed with his and other conservative groups on the West side in the past. Some news reports indicate the rally would have been held at the Springhill Suites by Marriot, but that has not been confirmed.
No immediate word as to where the Gibson rally will now take place.