New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy slams New York Young Republican Club for hosting large, maskless gala in Jersey City amid Covid surge

The New York Young Republican Club hosted a large indoor gala with little-to-no mask-wearing or social distancing in Jersey City Thursday night, drawing fierce criticism from New Jersey’s governor Friday.

„Last night, the @NYYRC allegedly snuck into Jersey City to hold a „gala fundraiser“ – ignoring our social distancing and mask rules,“ New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy said on Twitter. „It is beyond the pale that anyone would willingly endanger people in another state.“

The controversial event took place as the U.S. reported a record number of daily new Covid-19 cases, current hospitalizations and single-day deaths on Thursday, indicating that the national virus crisis is only accelerating.

Gov. Murphy said, „Jersey City law enforcement is investigating this matter.“

„The Gala was held in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including capacity restrictions,“ NYYRC president Gavin Wax said in an email. „Any suggestion to the contrary and any legal threats are made in bad faith and politically motivated. As far as we are aware, the First Amendment has not been repealed.“