GoFundMe suspends Canadian 'freedom convoy' fundraiser Allard directed donations to
Prone to leaping into controversial and heated matters before taking time to see how they play out, far-right Eagle River Assemblyperson Jamie Allard, who often lands on the wrong side of a cause she has adopted or defended, has organized an upcoming "Alaska Freedom Convoy 2022" event.
The convoy, which will run this Sunday from Cabela's to the Eagle River Lion's Club, appears to be an attempt to show solidarity with the Canadian "Freedom Convoy 2022" movement protesting against COVID-19 vaccination mandates in the country.
Trucking industry groups have condemned the Canadian convoy, and the Canadian Trucking Alliance reported that a large number of protesters didn't have any connection to trucking at all.
James Bauder, one of the convoy's main organizers, has previously shown sympathy for QAnon and repeatedly shared the hashtag "#WWG1WGA"—the movement's rallying cry. He has also promoted conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Bauder has called COVID-19 a "political scam" and, according to VICE, has blamed George Soros, Bill Gates, and vaccine-maker Pfizer for creating the virus.
The convoy's Facebook page has shared content from Canada organizer Patrick King, who has previously held counter-protests to anti-racism marches, circulated COVID-19 misinformation, and spread the Great Replacement white nationalist conspiracy theory.
Swastikas and, in at least one instance, the Confederate flag was seen at the Canadian "Freedom Convoy" protests in Ottawa last Saturday.
In a Facebook description for Allard's "Alaska Freedom Convoy 2022" event, she asked Alaskans to "join us in raising money for our medical food and other supplies trying to make it to Alaska via the ALCAN, by donating to our Canadian truckers."
There's just one problem; you can't because GoFundMe just sacked the Freedom Convoy's fundraiser.
In a statement a little over an hour ago, GoFundMe said that while they believed the Freedom Convoy was intended to be peaceful, they no longer considered this to be the case after receiving evidence from law enforcement that the previously peaceful demonstration had become an occupation, with police reports of violence and other unlawful activity.
"Following a review of relevant facts and multiple discussions with local law enforcement and city officials, this fundraiser is now in violation of our Terms of Service (Term 8, which prohibits the promotion of violence and harassment) and has been removed from the platform," the company wrote in its statement.
It's unclear where Allard will next direct Alaskans to donate their money. In 2020 she was raising funds to get the words "Save Anchorage" hung on the side of the Anchorage Performing Art Center.
I guess there's a lesson to be learned in all of this — that even the most well-intentioned idea can quickly turn south when there are too many cooks in the kitchen.
A very striking flyer for Allard's event can be found below.
