NEW YORK (AP) — Rev. Al Sharpton abruptly canceled a Saturday rally where Rep. Charles Rangel and his chief rival were to pledge unity after a bitter primary campaign.

Sharpton said he called the event off over worries his message would be undercut by a rapid succession of developments since Tuesday’s primary, including a new campaign for the runner-up, State Sen. Adriano Espaillat, and the guilty plea of a local state assemblywoman accused of lying to federal authorities.