Unsafe: Bethel Snuffs Candlelight Vigil Honoring George Floyd

BETHEL, CT — A candlelight vigil organized to honor the memory of George Floyd by the town has been cancelled, out of concern the turnout would be more than could be safely accommodated.

The "Candlelight Vigil for Justice" had been organized by First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker and State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan, "for justice for all the lives lost to police brutality and the fight against institutionalized racism."

The vigil had been set for Thursday at 8 p.m. on the municipal center lawn, but First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker took to social media on Wednesday to cancel it, citing the overflow crowds at the Danbury Black Lives Matter march earlier in the day. He also pointed to a rally in Stamford that grew to the point that city officials had to assign "additional police officers on special duty."

The first selectman also expressed his concern "over the real possibility of a dangerous spike in COVID-19 infections as a direct result of these rallied and gatherings."

Allie-Brennan was not happy, turning to social media to express how he was "truly disappointed by the decision to cancel the June 4 vigil in Bethel."

"Vigils such as the one we planned provide a vital opportunity to come together as a community to condemn systemic racism, to grieve, and to begin to heal," Allie-Brennan said. "Similar peaceful events have taken place without incident in towns across the state, most of which have had the support of local elected officials and law enforcement leaders. Silence is its own loud statement, and right now Bethel’s is speaking volumes."

Knickerbocker made it clear it was his call.

"Do not blame Raghib, blame me," the first selectman posted to Facebook. "This is something I should have thought through more fully and realized the potential that many, many more people may wish to attend, and I hope you accept my apologies."

Allie-Brennan said he would be "working with a group of young people who refuse to be deterred" who are planning another march in Danbury on Saturday.

According to Knickerbocker, another vigil would be scheduled in Bethel "when it is safe."