“We’ve Been Bombarded With Threats” Says Providence Restaurant, After Protest at Fundraiser

“We’ve Been Bombarded With Threats” Says Providence Restaurant, After Protest at Fundraiser

A restaurant and bar in Providence says it has been “bombarded” with threats, after a protest at a political fundraiser.

On Tuesday, protesters descended on Rhode Island Republican Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz’s campaign event at Ladder 133 on Douglas Avenue in Providence. 

The protest was in opposition to de La Cruz’ expressed support for the “deportation of violent criminals who are here illegally.”

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First elected to the Rhode Island Senate in 2018, de la Cruz, who represents District 23 (North Smithfield, Burrillville, and Glocester), ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2022. 

 

Restaurant on Record:

On Wednesday, Ladder 133 issued a statement saying that they have been threatened and their business disrupted since the event, sharing the following:

We’ve been hearing a lot of rumors and rhetoric about an event held last night at Ladder 133 Kitchen & Social, and we feel it’s time to set the record straight.

Ladder 133 is a restaurant with private event space, open to all walks of life. We provide a neutral, welcoming space where people come together to eat, drink, and socialize. Our mission is to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable, regardless of their background, beliefs, or political affiliations.

For the past 15 years, we have been hosting political fundraisers for candidates from both sides of the aisle without bias. During political fundraising season, we offer our space to candidates from both sides, located conveniently near the RI State House. Last night, Senator De La Cruz held an event/fundraiser in our private event room, The Jake Lounge—NOT in our main restaurant, Ladder 133 Kitchen & Social. She chose our venue because we provide a neutral space for events, not because we endorsed the event.

Unfortunately, social media and certain groups have painted us as the hosts of the event, which couldn’t be further from the truth. We’ve been bombarded with threatening emails, calls, and protests outside our restaurant, blocking our entrances and intimidating our guests. Our staff, who had no involvement in this matter, were subjected to verbal assaults and harassment.

As a hospitality business, our team works hard every day to offer great service and a safe space for everyone. But last night’s protest created chaos, preventing our staff from earning tips and causing harm to the livelihoods of our employees who depend on their income.

It’s deeply troubling to see how easily misinformation spreads, and how quickly people turn on small businesses and hardworking employees without understanding the facts. We are proud to serve this community and will continue to do so with respect for all. We ask for kindness, understanding, and the opportunity to focus on what we do best—providing great food, drinks, and a safe space for everyone.

Let’s work together to make our community stronger and more united. We appreciate your support.

 

On Wednesday, de la Cruz posted the following to social media:

"In case you missed it, a quick recap of last night's fundraiser.  I was encouraged to use the back door, but won't be intimidated, that's why you'll see me walking through the front door. I stand by my conviction that violent criminals who are here illegally should be deported, period," said de la Cruz. 

"I'm grateful for the supporters who courageously walked past the protesters, enduring insults like 'racist,' 'Nazi,' and 'fascist,' while some attempted to block their entry and even resorted to physical intimidation. But they did not succeed," she continued. 

 

This story was first published 2/5/25 6:50 PM

PHOTO: Unsplash/Engin Akyurt