A GOP group allied with Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) blamed security concerns on Friday after a rally featuring Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) was suddenly canceled amid the Ohio Republican's widening abuse scandal.
Shannon Burns, chair of the Strongsville GOP and a Miller ally, announced the cancellation of the Brunswick, Ohio, event Monday morning, according to NBC News.
The cancellation comes as Miller faces mounting domestic abuse allegations — which he denies — from his ex-wife and growing calls from fellow Republicans to drop out of his re-election race.
"I am angry and deeply disappointed to announce that we must cancel Monday's SAVE America Act Rally with Congressman Max Miller and Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna," Burns said. "
After consultation with law enforcement and the venue, the number and nature of the threats received have made the event untenable. We cannot responsibly expose our guests, attendees, volunteers, venue staff, or law enforcement officers to an unacceptable safety risk."
That same week, Miller formally filed a joint fundraising committee with Luna, Roger Sollenberger reported on X.
The filing drew attention because Luna has taken a different stance toward Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), another Florida Republican facing his own domestic violence allegations.
"I do not know Max to be a violent person and have only ever found him to be incredibly kind and honorable," Luna said in a text message to Politico.
When it came to Mills, Luna argued that he "needs to not be seeking reelection" — and this week endorsed a primary challenger against him.
Miller's ex-wife, Emily Moreno, has accused him of throwing hot water on her, slamming her against a wall, and holding a gun to her head.
Moreno also told police their 2-year-old daughter said, "Daddy kill you," law enforcement records show.
The Ohio Republican has not faced charges linked to the allegations.
Moreno's father, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH), broke with his former son-in-law last weekend, telling NBC News he tried to keep the matter private but felt he had no choice.
"He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter," the senator said.
Monday was also the last day Ohio Republicans could replace Miller on the ballot by selecting a substitute through county party chairs, according to Newsweek.
Internal polling showed Miller trailing his Democratic opponent by 5 percentage points, according to NOTUS.
