New Jersey gym owners were arrested Monday after repeatedly defying the governor’s lockdown order.
The owners of Atilis Gym in South Jersey have defied Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy’s coronavirus lockdown orders for months, which prohibit fitness centers from reopening. Ian Smith and Frank Trumbetti were found to be in contempt of the court last week for operating their gym, were ordered to close again, and face an undisclosed amount in fines.
On Monday, BJ Dowlen said she spent the night at the gym working on a book with the gym’s owners, who are her clients, and witnessed them being arrested.
“Well, this was a first,” Dowlen said in a Facebook post about the arrests. “I stayed the night in the gym writing, my book clients Ian & Frank were just waking up, I’m gathering my computer & notebooks, just waiting for the guys to come out for a few final questions, and then a SWARM of Camden County Sheriffs & local Bellmawr police (with K-9 units waiting in a vehicle) come bursting thru the door. … to me, sitting there, writing, by myself. First & foremost, the law enforcement officers were polite & respectful. Look for my video footage on national channels. And tonight/this morning, I am writing this new book chapter right now!!!”
The owners’ lawyer told CBS 3 that they are expected to be released on Monday and will likely be issued a complaint.
Dowlen said roughly 20 law enforcement vehicles were present for the arrest, and the K-9 unit was also reportedly present.
The owners had been staying in the gym over the last week.
“We will not leave this building under any circumstances unless they take us out in handcuffs,” Smith said last week.
Smith and Trumbetti first made headlines in May for reopening their gym in defiance of the governor’s stay-at-home order.
“The government has failed at protecting our rights and failing at protecting our health. We are proposing an organized, peaceful reopening of the state, not just our business,” Trumbetti said in a video about the decision to reopen in May.
