The Democratic Governor of New Jersey has got to be fuming now.
Just hours after threatening the owners and members of Atilis Gym–a Bellmawr, NJ-based gym that reopened on Monday morning–Atilis Gym reopened for the second day in a row.
Yesterday, gym owners Ian Smith and Frank Trumbetti attracted a huge show of support–not just from gym members and the local community, but even from the media, who promptly reported on the story.
Smith told the local news, “We’re here, being civilly disobedient, being peaceful operating our business as we should be able to.”
He added: “All small business is essential, and our constitutional rights are the most important thing that any American can uphold.”
Apparently, local police also agreed: rather than citing the owners or shutting down the gym, a Bellmawr officer simply told Smith and Trumbetti: “Formally, you are all in violation of the executive order. On that note, have a good day, everybody be safe.”
Gov. Murphy, however, was left fuming.
On Monday night, he specifically threatened Atilis Gym and, apparently, their members.
“If you show up at that gym again tomorrow, there’s going to be a different reality than showing up today,” Murphy threatened. These aren’t just words. We’ve got to enforce this, but I also don’t want to start World War III.”
But on Tuesday, Atilis Gym reopened for the second day.
“I’m not worried about jail,” said Smith’s business partner, Frank Trumbetti. “It is what it is. Ian and I made a conscious decision to actually fight for the cause for everybody.”Gov. Murphy has not yet responded to Atilis defying his order for the second day.