Candidate Anthony Constantino Orders Reporter Off Stage During Live 21st District Party
The Republican was leading Democratic rival Blake Gendebien when he dismissed a 7 News crew, calling staff members profane names before security removed them from the building.
By Sanjay Ivanov ·
Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino directed a 7 News reporter and cameraman to exit his election night gathering in Amsterdam, New York, while delivering a live address to supporters.
Constantino held a lead over his Democratic opponent, Blake Gendebien, in the race for the 21st Congressional District on Tuesday night. The candidate addressed a crowd while 7 News broadcast approximately 15 to 16 minutes of his speech as the lead segment of their 11 p.m. news program.
During the live broadcast, Constantino expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for having his back. He also acknowledged former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and political strategist Roger Stone. The candidate referred to "the evil news media" while on air.
Constantino and others on stage used profanity before the network paused its live coverage to report on other regional results. The candidate then singled out 7 News reporter Garrett Domblewski. He described Domblewski and anchor Jeff Cole as a**holes and labeled a reporter from another organization a "f**king a**hole."
Constantino instructed Domblewski to leave the venue. The candidate led the audience in a chant demanding the reporter be kicked out. Five or six security guards escorted Domblewski out of the building. As the reporter was led outside, Constantino and the crowd chanted, "F**k the evil media."
Domblewski stated he was unsure why the candidate asked him to leave. The reporter noted that he had completed a cordial interview with Constantino earlier in the evening, a portion of which aired on the 10 p.m. newscast. After being escorted outside, Domblewski delivered a live report from the parking lot.
Constantino's campaign had invited 7 News and other media outlets to the event, which was located about a three-hour drive from Watertown. The campaign team confirmed via email that they were aware the news crew would attend. The email read, "Looking forward to seeing you all."
Source: WBTV
