NJ GOP slams Murphy over flip on political protests
Gov. Phil Murphy’s decision to exempt political protests from his coronavirus-related restrictions on outdoor gatherings did not quell Republican criticism of the governor over his appearance at two Black Lives Matter rallies on Sunday.
GOP leaders called the Democratic governor a hypocrite for violating his own stay-at-home order to attend the protests and mocked Murphy for denying that their attacks led to his about-face on large gatherings, which he announced Tuesday.
“Of course they didn’t. And I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn, too,” said New Jersey Republican Chair Doug Steinhardt.
Sen. Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, said he believes Murphy was feeling pressure from both sides of the aisle after his appearance at Sunday’s rallies. Bucco noted that Randolph issued summonses Saturday to a woman for hosting a pro-business rally there in violation of Murphy's stay-at-home order.
"I think the governor had no choice but to make this move," Bucco said. "I hope that he’s instructed the attorney general and law enforcement to dismiss any complaints that may have been issued to people that were protesting for whatever reasons.”
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Murphy has defended joining Sunday’s protests.
Citing the nationwide unrest over the killing of George Floyd, who died in custody on May 25 after he was pinned under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer, Murphy said he couldn’t imagine forcing people to stay inside instead of gathering publicly to voice their anger.
On Tuesday, after announcing he would lift his stay-at-home directive and allow outdoor gatherings of 100 people — up from 25 — Murphy also said he would exempt “First Amendment-protected outdoor activities such as political protests of any persuasion or outdoor religious services” from the 100-person cap. Asked if Republican criticism of his protest appearances inspired his change of heart, he said no.
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"We have to be consistent,” he said. “We have to recognize this moment in time, this is unlike any other moment in our nation's history. We have to acknowledge that. We have to allow folks to get out there and rightfully and peacefully but angrily protest and express themselves, and we have to do it in a way that is consistent with the law."
Assemblyman Jon Bramnick, R-Union, compared Murphy's change on large gatherings to a "Saturday Night Live" sketch.
"I might put it in my next routine if it weren't so sad," said Bramnick, a stand-up comedian. "My problem is you have told people you can disrespect the law if you think it's the right thing to do at the time."
Michael Griffin is an activist in Jersey City, which in the last week has seen numerous large-scale rallies and protests related to Floyd’s killing and police misconduct. Griffin acknowledged the risk of coronavirus spread among crowds of thousands, but said protesters were "risking their health in order to fight injustice."
“Yes, there is a pandemic going on right now,” Griffin said. “However, racial disparities and police brutality have been an ongoing pandemic in our community for decades. I think some things just transcend another.”
Assemblyman Jay Webber, R- Morris, sent a letter Monday to State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan suggesting Murphy should be cited for violating his stay-at-home order. Webber said Tuesday that Murphy's decision to allow large protests shows there is no science behind the administration's orders.
“He doesn’t like the rules that he makes everybody else live by, so he breaks them. Then he doesn’t like to be called out for breaking his own rules so he changes them," Webber said. "I’m glad people in New Jersey have a little more freedom this afternoon but they deserve a lot more. The governor’s behavior is just erratic."
Terrence T. McDonald is a reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: mcdonaldt@northjersey.com Twitter: @terrencemcd
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