U.S. Attorney General Cancels Speech In OKC

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has canceled plans to deliver a speech to a group of Oklahoma City police cadets amid a planned protest by conservative lawmakers and organizations.

Justice Department spokesman Brian Fallon says Holder will still be traveling to Oklahoma City on Thursday -- but because of a late departure from Washington D.C., he is unable to make the speech.

U.S. District Judge Vickie Miles LaGrange will speak instead to the 42 graduating police cadets

Republican Rep. Paul Wesselhoft of Moore called Holder's cancellation a "victory" for state lawmakers who were planning to protest.

Holder was scheduled to give a speech at a graduation ceremony welcoming new officers to the Oklahoma City Police Department. The ceremony will be held at First Church just east of the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

This event will celebrate the graduation of 42 new police recruits.

Hundreds of people are expected to tell Attorney General Eric Holder they don't want him in Oklahoma City. State lawmakers, police officers and activists plan to protest at the ceremony.

4/23/2014 Related Story: Hundreds Expected To Protest AG Holder's OKC Visit

Conservative organizer Bob Dani is calling out Oklahoma City officials for allowing Holder to address Oklahoma City's newest officers.

Police say several security measures will remain in place for the event due to a number of planned protests.