NJ Guv. Tells Gaetz To Stay Away From State After Rep. Attends Mask-Free Fundraiser

TRENTON, NJ, UNITED STATES - 2019/01/15: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy delivering the 2019 New Jersey State of the State address in the Assembly Chambers at the New Jersey State House in Trenton. (Photo by Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) delivering the 2019 New Jersey State of the State address at the New Jersey State House in Trenton. (Photo by Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) chewed out Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) on Friday after the congressman attended a fundraiser in the state that flouted New Jersey’s social distancing and mask requirements.

Murphy tweeted that the New York Young Republican Club (NYYRC) had allegedly “snuck into” Jersey City (located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan) to hold the fundraiser, where attendees did not wear masks or maintain a six-foot distance from one another as required by Murphy’s executive order.

“It is beyond the pale that anyone would willingly endanger people in another state,” he wrote. “Jersey City law enforcement is investigating this matter.”

The governor’s tweet included a photo of the event in which Gaetz can be seen huddled in the crowd.

“It is also beyond the pale that Rep Matt Putz – I mean
@RepMattGaetz – would participate in this. What a fool,” Murphy tweeted. “Matt – You are not welcome in New Jersey, and frankly I don’t ever want you back in this state.”

New Jersey’s official Twitter account cheered on Murphy’s salvo.

“HE SAID WHAT HE SAID” the account tweeted.

Gaetz’ office did not immediately respond to request for comment.

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