NY Candidate Orders TV Reporter Out of Live Election Broadcast

Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino removed a television reporter from his election night celebration on Tuesday evening while the event was being broadcast live. The incident occurred in Amsterdam, New York, as Constantino addressed supporters and discussed the 21st Congressional District race.

7 News aired 15 to 16 minutes of Constantino’s speech to lead its 11 p.m. newscast. During the segment, the candidate thanked President Donald Trump for support and mentioned former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and strategist Roger Stone. He also described the news media as evil before using profane language on air.

Reporter Garrett Domblewski conducted a cordial interview with Constantino earlier in the evening, a portion of which aired on the 10 p.m. newscast. Domblewski stated he was unsure what specifically prompted the candidate to single him out during the later speech. Constantino called Domblewski and 7 News anchor Jeff Cole a**holes on the live broadcast.

The candidate also used profanity to describe a reporter from another organization. He then ordered Domblewski to leave the stage. Security guards, numbering five or six, escorted the reporter out of the building while the crowd chanted kick him out.

As Domblewski was led outside, Constantino and attendees continued the chant with the phrase fuck the evil media. The campaign had invited 7 News and other outlets to the event. Constantino’s team confirmed in an email that they were aware the news crew was attending, writing that they looked forward to seeing everyone.

Domblewski reported live from the parking lot immediately after being removed from the venue. At the time of the incident, Constantino was leading his Democratic opponent Blake Gendebien in the race for the 21st Congressional District. The event took place in Amsterdam, which is located about a three-hour drive from Watertown.

The live coverage ended when 7 News switched to reporting on other regional election results. The candidate remained on stage after the crew departed. No further details were provided regarding the duration of Constantino’s remaining address or the specific vote totals at the time of the removal.