A New Jersey gym opened for a second day in defiance of executive orders during the coronavirus pandemic — despite Gov. Phil Murphy’s stern warning of “a different reality” to anyone who shows up there Tuesday.
Video posted to Twitter by KYW Newsradio reporter Tim Jimenez shows members filing into Atilis Gym in Bellmawr wearing face coverings as supporters watched and clapped.
The gym, which was shuttered since mid-March, re-opened for the first time Monday, as the owners called the forced closure a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights.
Both owners were issued summonses and clients were given a warning.
But Murphy suggested during his Monday briefing that the state might have to step in if the gym’s defiance continues.
“I’m not concerned it will spiral out of control, and we will take action,” Murphy said. “If you show up at that gym again tomorrow, there’s going to be a different reality than showing up today. These aren’t just words. We’ve got to enforce this, but I also don’t want to start World War III.”
The summons, issued to Atilis Gym owners Ian Smith and Frank Trumbetti Monday afternoon for a disorderly person’s offense, did not specify the penalty — but state law indicates they could spend up to six months in county jail and be fined up to $1,000.
“I’m not worried about jail,” Trumbetti told NJ.com shortly after the citation was issued. “It is what it is. Ian and I made a conscious decision to actually fight for the cause for everybody.”
Hours earlier, it seemed the owners were in the clear.
“Formally, you are all in violation of the executive order,” a Bellmawr cop told the two men, and the crowd of supporters gathered in the parking lot. “On that note, have a good day, everybody be safe.”
No one answered the phone at the gym Tuesday morning.