New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy unofficially banned Rep. Matt Gaetz from his state after the Florida Republican attended a crowded party, violating the state’s COVID-19 public health rules.
Murphy, a Democrat, called out Gaetz in a Friday press conference, identifying him in a group photo of guests who attended a party hosted by the New York Young Republicans. The group hosted the party in neighboring Jersey City after it was unable to find a venue in New York.
“That guy in the middle, the tall, handsome fella in the gray suit, that is Rep. Matt Putz — oh, sorry, Matt Gaetz,” Murphy said. “And based upon his past performances, it is obvious being a knucklehead is not beyond the pale for him.”
It is also beyond the pale that Rep Matt Putz – I mean @RepMattGaetz – would participate in this. What a fool.
Matt – You are not welcome in New Jersey, and frankly I don’t ever want you back in this state. pic.twitter.com/j67x9Z2lAf
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) December 4, 2020
The governor told Gaetz he’s no longer allowed in New Jersey after the incident. Murphy added that Jersey City law enforcement will investigate the event.
“I hope you’re watching, Matt — you are not welcome in New Jersey, and, frankly, I don’t ever want you back in this state,” Murphy said, doubling down on his threat on Twitter.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop also condemned the event.
“In Jersey City we take Covid enforcement very seriously, and this event appears to be an egregious violation of the governor’s executive orders, including capacity limitations and mandatory mask wearing,” Fulop told WNBC.
Gaetz tweeted back in response, thanking Murphy for calling him handsome.
Thank you for calling me handsome, Governor!
I’m only considered handsome in New Jersey, though.
In Florida I’m barely a roundup 6. https://t.co/BtyHDflaSM
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) December 4, 2020
Gaetz is a close ally of President Trump and has been critical about economic lockdowns and strict public health measures amid the coronavirus pandemic. He reportedly tested positive for coronavirus antibodies earlier in 2020.
Murphy introduced some of the strictest public health measures in the country, drawing pushback after he limited Thanksgiving gatherings to 10 people per household. The governor was confronted by a New Jersey resident over the rules after he was caught dining maskless in a restaurant.
Coronavirus cases have been spiking across the country, prompting local and state officials to take further action to prevent the spread. The virus has infected more than 14 million people in the United States and killed over 270,000.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Gaetz for comment.
