Amarillo City Council candidate cancels campaign event citing safety concerns

David Prescott, candidate for Amarillo City Council Place 3, announced the cancellation of a planned campaign meet-and-greet event originally scheduled for Thursday evening at La Fiesta, a local restaurant. The decision, shared via social media on Tuesday, comes after Prescott said he received a “vicious message and call” that raised concerns for the safety of the venue and the community.

The message, described by Prescott as serious enough to involve law enforcement, reportedly came over the weekend. Though specific details of the threat have not been disclosed publicly, the tone of Prescott’s announcement conveyed a clear sense of urgency and caution.

“This election has taken a disturbing turn,” Prescott wrote. “When we have to start looking at security for an event, and calling law enforcement – something’s terribly broken.”

Prescott emphasized that the safety of both La Fiesta staff and attendees was the driving force behind the cancellation. “We didn’t want to put La Fiesta at risk or in a position where they have to worry about safety, security, or liability because of politics,” he said.

The announcement adds a tense note to the final stretch of Amarillo’s municipal election season. Early voting began April 22 and runs through April 29, with Election Day scheduled for May 3. Prescott is one of the candidates vying for Place 3 on the City Council, a seat that plays a key role in shaping the future of local governance.

While threats and political tension are not unheard of in election seasons, such incidents have been rare in Amarillo’s traditionally community-focused local races. Prescott’s decision to go public about the threat and the involvement of law enforcement highlights a growing concern among candidates and voters alike about the tone and safety of political discourse.

Neither Prescott nor local police have released further details about the nature of the threat or whether it is being investigated as a criminal matter. However, the campaign reiterated its commitment to continuing outreach efforts through safer channels in the days ahead.

“We remain focused on listening to the community and offering a positive vision for Amarillo,” Prescott said. “But we also won’t take risks with people’s safety.”

As the election draws near, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges candidates face in maintaining both civic engagement and community safety in a highly polarized environment.