New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy let Florida representative Matt Gaetz go up in the air on Friday, calling him a “fool” and “moron. He said he was not welcome in the state after he was seen in the social media violating the state’s coronavirus restrictions.
In a daily COVID 19 press conference, Murphy spoke about the recent gala hosted in Jersey City by New York’s Young Republican Club. Photos from the event were circulated in the social media and showed people, including Gaetz, at the event violating social distancing measures and the nationwide masking mandate.
” I cannot believe this. This morning in social media, from New York’s Young Republican Club, who allegedly snuck into Jersey City last night to hold a gala fundraiser after they couldn’t find a venue in their own city because of the pandemic,” Murphy said, while a picture of Gaetz was shown at the event.
“So from the videos in the social media, and certainly from this picture, there is no obvious attempt to impose social distancing or face masks, although wearing masks indoors in New Jersey is mandatory at organized gatherings where people don’t eat or drink,” said the governor, a Democrat.
Murphy went on to criticize Gaetz, saying that “it is beyond the bounds of what is permitted for a member of Congress to attend this event. He also mistakenly referred to him as “Matt Putz.
“It’s obvious that being a moron is not beyond what’s allowed for him,” Murphy said. “What a moron. He and she should be ashamed of themselves.”
The governor continued, “I hope you’re watching, Matt. You’re not welcome in New Jersey, and frankly, I never want you in this state again.”
Murphy’s comments came shortly after Thursday’s event, which gathered at least 150 people at Maritime Parc in Jersey City’s Liberty State Park, prompting Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop to tweet an administrative order ordering the venue to close.
[email protected] https://t.co/Cf37mvN0Bz pic.twitter.com/QwUr7Jn5XA
– Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) December 4, 2020
Before his comments on Friday, Murphy published two tweets with similar criticism of Gaetz and the New York Young Republican Club.
“Last night, the @NYYRC allegedly snuck into Jersey City to hold a ‘gala fundraiser’ in defiance of our social disassociation and masquerade rules,” Murphy wrote. “It is beyond the pale that someone would voluntarily put people in danger in another state. Jersey City law enforcement agencies are investigating this matter.
A subsequent tweet from Murphy included a photograph of Gaetz wearing a gas mask. The caption contained phrases used by the Governor at his press conference: “It is beyond the pale that Rep. Matt Putz – I mean @RepMattGaetz – would participate. What a fool. Matt – you are not welcome in New Jersey, and frankly I never want you back in this state again”.
It is also beyond the bounds of what is allowed that Rep. Matt Putz – I mean @RepMattGaetz – would participate. What a fool.
Matt – you are not welcome in New Jersey, and frankly I never want you in this state again. pic.twitter.com/j67x9Z2lAf
– Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) December 4, 2020
Murphy’s office declined to make any further comment or explanation on the matter.
In response to Murphy’s criticism, Gaetz went on Twitter and wrote: “You will regret this tweet if you move to Florida like the rest of New Jersey,” he said.
You will regret that tweet if you move to Florida like the rest of New Jersey. https://t.co/zVYjvEYF0I
– Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) December 4, 2020
“Thanks for calling me handsome, Governor! But I’m only considered good-looking in New Jersey,” Gaetz wrote in a separate tweet. “In Florida, I’m hardly a Roundup 6.”
Thank you for calling me handsome, Governor!
However, I am only considered good-looking in New Jersey.
In Florida, I’m hardly a “Roundup 6.” https://t.co/BtyHDflaSM
– Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) December 4, 2020
Washington Newsday was referred to Gaetz’ tweets after he turned to his office for comment.
