Gestapo Tactics: Police Not Only Cite Business But Go After Patrons
In New Jersey Police returned to the Atilis Gym where owner Frank Trumbetti vowed that he will keep his business open unless he is behind bars.
“I will not close my doors again unless I’m behind bars,” yelled Frank Trumbetti to a crowd of supporters Tuesday morning. “And I guarantee you this door will be open every single day.”
For a second day, supporters of the gym gathered in the parking lot to support the small business owner that is defying the Governor of New Jersey. Employees of the gym asked supporters outside to please be respectful in the even law enforcement shows up.
Doors officially open at Atilis Gym Bellmawr, day 2. Members heading in. Owners asking that supporters remain respectful for law enforcement if police show up. pic.twitter.com/34jHKBaIw0
— Katherine Scott (@KScott6abc) May 19, 2020
The police did return to the gym issuing them their second $2,000 fine and arrested a patron.
One patron asked police why they needed his name and was immediately arrested and charged with breaking the governor’s stay at home order and obstruction. Ellie Rushing, from the Philadelphia Inquirer, reported that the man said, “I asked them why they needed my name and the next thing I knew they were handcuffing me.”
UPDATE: man who was arrested was released & has returned to the parking lot. Said he was taken to the police station and given two citations for breaking the gov’s orders and obstruction. “I asked them why they needed my name and the next thing I knew they were handcuffing me.” pic.twitter.com/91TOIvzzOG
— Ellie Rushing (@EllieRushing) May 19, 2020
On Monday night, Governor Phil Murphy warned the gym saying they would face a “different reality than the one they faced today” if they continue to violate his order.
“Anyone who shows up again tomorrow will face a different reality than today,” Murphy said. “We have to enforce this, but we don’t want to start World War III.”
What Murphy doesn’t realize is that arresting and citing patrons is going to cause World War III.
The Mayor of Bellmawr, Charles J. Sauter, III is trying to stay neutral. He supported the protestors outside the gym, claiming that they have the right to protest however, he claimed the opening of the gym is a police matter and will not comment.
ICYMI: Bellmawr police walked up to the owners and said, “Formally, you’re all in violation of the executive order. On that note, have a good day.” Then he walked away. Police aren’t available for comment. Here’s the Bellmawr mayor’s statement: pic.twitter.com/Mc0BZhWmK0
— Ellie Rushing (@EllieRushing) May 18, 2020
Col. Patrick J. Callahan, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police said that they have nothing to do with the incident because the jurisdiction falls under the local police.