Constantino Orders Reporter Removed From Live Election Party
A 7 News journalist was escorted out of the Amsterdam venue by security while the candidate led the crowd in chants against the media.
By Adrian Kovalenko ·
Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino ordered a 7 News reporter to leave his election night party on Tuesday while addressing a live television audience. The incident occurred in Amsterdam, New York, during a speech that aired on the 11 p.m. newscast. Constantino was leading his Democratic opponent, Blake Gendebien, in the race for the 21st Congressional District at the time.
The candidate began his remarks by thanking President Donald Trump, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and political strategist Roger Stone. He described the news media as evil. After a segment of the speech, 7 News left the live coverage to report on other regional election results. Constantino continued speaking and then singled out 7 News reporter Garrett Domblewski.
Constantino used profane language to describe Domblewski and 7 News anchor Jeff Cole. He also directed similar insults at a reporter from another organization. The candidate then instructed Domblewski to exit the venue. Security guards, numbering five or six, physically escorted the reporter out of the building.
As Domblewski was led outside, Constantino and the crowd chanted a phrase criticizing the media. Domblewski stated that he was unsure what prompted the removal. He noted that he had conducted a cordial interview with Constantino earlier in the evening, which was broadcast on the 10 p.m. newscast.
After being escorted to the parking lot, Domblewski delivered a live report from outside the venue. The candidate’s campaign had invited 7 News and other media outlets to the event. In a prior email, the campaign team expressed anticipation for the crew’s arrival. Amsterdam is located about a three-hour drive from Watertown.
