Candidate orders reporter out of election party while on live TV
Anthony Constantino, leading in New York's 21st District, removed a journalist from his event after a profane speech broadcast to viewers.
By Marco Ortega ·
Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino removed a local news crew from his election night celebration in Amsterdam, New York, while the event was being broadcast live to thousands of viewers.
Constantino was leading Democratic challenger Blake Gendebien for the 21st Congressional District on Tuesday night. He addressed supporters from a stage, thanking President Donald Trump, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and political strategist Roger Stone. The candidate also directed criticism at what he called the evil news media.
The 7 News team had covered the event for approximately 15 minutes, leading their 11 p.m. newscast with footage of the speech. Before leaving the live feed to cover other regional results, the channel captured Constantino and other speakers using strong language. Shortly after, Constantino singled out reporter Garrett Domblewski and anchor Jeff Cole, calling them both a**holes. He also directed the same insult at a reporter from another organization.
Constantino then ordered Domblewski to leave the venue. The crowd, led by the candidate, chanted, "Kick him out. Kick him out." Five or six security guards escorted the reporter out of the building. As Domblewski exited, the candidate and supporters chanted, "F**k the evil media."
The candidate's campaign had explicitly invited media organizations to the party, located about a three-hour drive from Watertown. In a pre-event email, the campaign confirmed it was expecting the 7 News crew, writing, "Looking forward to seeing you all." Domblewski said he had conducted a cordial interview with Constantino earlier in the evening, a segment of which aired on the 10 p.m. newscast.
Domblewski stated he was unsure what specific action caused the candidate to order his removal. After being escorted to the parking lot, the reporter delivered a live report from outside the venue. The incident occurred while Constantino maintained his lead over Gendebien in the district race.
The speech and the removal took place on the same night as the general election in the 21st Congressional District. Constantino continued to address the remaining attendees after the security guards took the reporter outside.
