A rally scheduled to feature Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was moved to a new location days before Florida's primary election after the original venue, The Venue, canceled the event.
The "Chomp the Oligarchy" rally was intended to support three progressive Democratic candidates: Elijah Manley and Oliver Larkin, who are running for U.S. House seats, and Angie Nixon, a candidate for the U.S. Senate.
Venue Withdraws Support
The Venue issued a statement Thursday night announcing its decision to cancel the event, citing "increased security concerns" and the welfare of attendees and staff. The statement emphasized that the venue is Jewish-owned and operated, stating that its "values and commitment to the Jewish community are deeply important."
Prior to the cancellation, Florida State Rep. Michael Gottlieb, a Democrat, publicly criticized the event, calling it "anti-Jew" and labeling Tlaib as having "the deepest record of antisemitic allegations."
The Venue reportedly requested that the rally organizers remove Tlaib from the event, a condition the organizers refused. The rally's organizers stated they "will not be silenced by racist right-wing agitators and conservative Democrats."
Rally Moves to New Location
The "Chomp the Oligarchy" rally ultimately took place at an alternate outdoor location, with approximately 300 supporters in attendance. During the relocated event, Oliver Larkin addressed the controversy, accusing opponents of a "campaign of Islamophobia" and an effort to "to excuse AIPAC's corrupting influence over our elections."
Tlaib also appeared at the rescheduled event, introducing Nixon. Tlaib, the first Palestinian American woman elected to Congress, has faced criticism for her past comments regarding Israel and has denied accusations of antisemitism. In 2023, Congress censured Tlaib for her use of the slogan "from the river to the sea," which she has described as an "aspirational call for freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence."
Manley is challenging incumbent Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., while Larkin is running against Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla. Nixon is campaigning against Alexander Vindman.
Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., commented on Tlaib's planned appearance at an event supporting candidates aiming to unseat Jewish Democrats, telling Fox News Digital that "it’s no coincidence."