SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy ripped a Florida congressman for attending a maskless indoor party held by the New York Young Republican Club — in Jersey City.
“It is beyond the pale that anyone would willingly endanger people in another state, never mind their own. It is also beyond the pale that a member of Congress … would participate in this,” the governor said at his Friday coronavirus briefing, where he shared a photo of the gala attendees, including U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz.
Murphy said the Republican group couldn’t find a venue in New York for their fundraiser because of that state’s COVID-19 restrictions.
“That guy in the middle, the tall handsome fellow in the grey suit,” Murphy described the picture. “That is Rep. Matt ‘Putz’ — sorry, Matt Gaetz. And based on his past performances, it is obvious being a knucklehead is not beyond the pale for him.”
Murphy said Gaetz and others at the event appeared to ignore New Jersey’s social distancing and mask rules.
“What a fool,” he continued. “They should be ashamed of themselves. He is not welcome — I hope you're watching, Matt — you are not welcome in New Jersey, and frankly, I don’t ever want you back in this state.”
Murphy said authorities in Jersey City are investigating.
Gaetz has not yet publicly responded to Murphy’s comments.
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