In a press release from Neil Makhija's campaign office, Makhija alleges that the Carbon County Commissioners are attempting to block free speech by revoking a permit for a vigil scheduled for Friday evening.

The release continues, "Friday, June 17, the Carbon County Commissioners at the last minute decided to revoke Michelle Gallagher's permit for the vigil to honor the Orlando shooting victims. The Carbon County Commissioners claim to be citing county ordinances but upon review there is no such guideline that bans a gathering of this nature."

"We just want to pay our respects to our fellow Americans who were victims of the worst mass shooting in U.S. history," the release said.

Makhija said the group will gather at 7 p.m. at Josiah White Park, "exercising our first amendment rights, no matter what the political establishment does to try to bully us."

Previously:

The Carbon County Commissioners have rescinded approval for a vigil for the victims of the Orlando shooting that was scheduled at 7 p.m. today in the county-owned Josiah White Park in Jim Thorpe.

In a prepared statement, the commissioners said they have reversed their approval of use of the park due to political overtures associated with the announcement of the event.

"The commissioners received the request for use of the park from the Rev. Michelle Gallagher 'for local residents struggling with recent events and focus on raising the Peace vibration,' " the statement said.

"After the board approved the request, it was announced as being co-sponsored by a political candidate in the upcoming election. The county has a longtime policy of prohibiting political events, or those sponsored by those involved in politics, on county property," commissioners said.

"On the basis of the content of the announcement of the event, which was very much different than the request the county received, the commissioners believe it is in the best interest of the county to not allow this event to take place on county-owned property.

"Meanwhile, the commissioners encourage all county residents to join us in continuing to pray for the victims of the Orlando shootings, and their families, as well as other worldwide tragic events, including the death of the 2-year-old boy who died in the alligator attack at Disney."