A local assemblyman says he had decided to cancel a fundraiser scheduled for next week at the Roycroft Inn that was to feature political strategist Steve Bannon. Republican David DiPietro, who represents the 147th Assembly District, says he made that decision after receiving threats of violence and property destruction from as far away as Oregon and California. He says Roycroft property managers required the campaign to provide additional safety assurances, including 30 uniformed officers and a $5 million premises insurance policy.
In a statement, DiPietro refers to threats coming from what he calls "mobs" and "radical leftist activists."
“The good people at the Roycroft Inn are deeply concerned. This morning I realized nowhere is safe in today’s political climate - even my historic hometown,” DiPietro said. “As a boy, my family celebrated many milestones at the Roycroft. As mayor of East Aurora, I helped the Roycroft with too many projects to recite. The vision of this beloved building in flames, swarmed by masked rioters, was too much.”
Bannon is a controversial political strategist who helped President Donald Trump win election in 2016. He has espoused views commonly associated with nationalism.
“When Democrat name-calling and finger pointing translates into threats and violence and chaos, it’s time to walk away,” he added. “The Roycroft was here long before these mobs and it must remain long after they end in the dustbin of history.”
Attempts to reach Roycroft officials for comment have been unsuccessful.
A separate DiPietro fundraiser at the Roycroft will be held as scheduled next week, without any featured guests. Bannon is still scheduled to appear at a Republican get-out-the-vote rally in Elma next Wednesday.
