Sununu Cancels Outdoor Inauguration Following Protests At Newfields Home

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu announced Wednesday he had canceled the 2021 inaugural ceremony due to public safety concerns in wake of multiple protests held outside his home in Newfields.

Protesters have been gathering outside Sununu's home for more than a month since the statewide mask mandate went into effect. Recent demonstrations have reached a fever pitch with at least one arrest being made in recent days, per the Union Leader.

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“My first responsibility is ensuring the safety of my family and our citizens” Sununu said in a press release. “For weeks, armed protesters have increasingly become more aggressive, targeting my family, protesting outside my private residence, and trespassing on my property — an outdoor public ceremony simply brings too much risk. We do not make this decision lightly but it is the right thing to do.”

Sununu, who was initially hesitant to issue a mandate, is not the only Republican governor to take serious measures as the COVID-19 continues to rage through the country. Numerous studies have found that masks, and perhaps even the mandates, reduce the risk of transmission, according to The Washington Post.

According to the press release, Sununu and the Executive Council will be sworn-in during a small ceremony to be attended by leaders of both houses of the legislature. All other members will virtually attend the meeting, which is scheduled for January 7. Sununu is also expected to deliver his inaugural address on January 7 at 7 p.m.

The governor's office did not release any further information regarding the matter.