“New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) shredded Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) for blithely featuring in an indoor event that could become a COVID-19 superspreader in Jersey City — and warned the health regulation-busting Republican to stay out of his state. “Matt — You are not welcome in New Jersey, and frankly I don’t ever want you back in this state,” Murphy said in a tweet Friday. Gaetz was the featured speaker at a secret “gala fundraiser” Thursday for the New York Young Republican Club which jumped the river to bring their superspreading behavior to another state. Gaetz filled in for Tea Party supporting former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who bailed on the event because of her fears about the pandemic, The New York Times reported. The event, with dozens of participants packed together in photos, clearly ignored New Jersey’s social distancing and mask regulations designed to help stem the spread of deadly COVID-19 amid a record surge of cases in the nation. Gaetz was also subject to state quarantine rules since he likely flew in from Washington, D.C., or his home state of Florida, the Times noted. New Jersey law enforcement officials are investigating. “It is beyond the pale that anyone would willingly endanger people in another state,” Murphy complained on Twitter Friday. Murphy added that it is “also beyond the pale that ‘Matt Putz’ — I mean Rep. Matt Gaetz — would participate in this. What a fool.” The governor posted a photo of Gaetz in a gas mask on the floor of the House earlier this year. Gaetz wore the mask to mock restrictions to protect people from COVID-19. The COVID-19 death toll has reached 281,000 Americans and counting. Last night, the @NYYRC allegedly snuck into Jersey City to hold a “gala fundraiser” – ignoring our social distancing and mask rules.It is beyond the pale that anyone would willingly endanger people in another state.Jersey City law enforcement is investigating this matter. pic.twitter.com/OX2ug8S1e3— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) December 4, 2020 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 GOP club initially posted on Facebook that the event was being held in Manhattan. When New York City officials challenged those plans, the Young COVID Republicans referred to critics who are Jewish as “court Jews” while also accusing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of being antisemitic. A HuffPost Guide To Coronavirus Stay up to date with our live blog as we cover the COVID-19 pandemic What you need to know about face masks right now How long are asymptomatic carriers contagious? Lost your job due to coronavirus? Here’s what you need to know. How to switch off from work when home is your office 8 sleep tips if coronavirus anxiety is keeping you up at night How long does coronavirus live in the air? The HuffPost guide to working from home What coronavirus questions are on your mind right now? We want to help you find answers. Everyone deserves accurate information about COVID-19. Support journalism without a paywall — and keep it free for everyone — by becoming a HuffPost member today
