Anthony Constantino Orders 7 News Crew Out of Election Night Party
The Republican candidate for New York's 21st District used profanity on live television before security removed a reporter from his Amsterdam event.
By Bianca Herrera ·
Anthony Constantino, the Republican candidate for New York's 21st Congressional District, ordered a 7 News reporter and cameraman to leave his election-night party. The incident occurred while Constantino was addressing supporters in Amsterdam, New York. He was leading his Democratic opponent, Blake Gendebien, in early returns for the district on Tuesday night.
The campaign invited local media to the event. A campaign email sent to the news team read, "Looking forward to seeing you all." 7 News broadcast 15 to 16 minutes of Constantino's live speech as the lead story for its 11 p.m. newscast. During the address, the candidate thanked President Donald Trump for having his back. He also acknowledged former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and political strategist Roger Stone.
Constantino criticized the press, referring to "the evil news media." The speech continued after 7 News paused its live coverage to report on other regional results. The candidate and others on stage used profane language during this segment. He then singled out 7 News reporter Garrett Domblewski. Constantino called Domblewski and 7 News anchor Jeff Cole "a**holes." He also directed the insult at a reporter from another organization.
The candidate instructed Domblewski to leave the venue. He led the crowd in a chant that said, "Kick him out. Kick him out." Five or six security guards escorted the reporter out of the building. As Domblewski was led outside, Constantino and the crowd chanted, "F**k the evil media."
Domblewski said he did not know what prompted the ejection. He noted that he had conducted a cordial interview with Constantino earlier in the evening. A portion of that interview aired on the 10 p.m. newscast. After being escorted to the parking lot, Domblewski delivered a live report from outside the venue.
The event took place in Amsterdam, a location approximately three hours from Watertown. Constantino remained at the top of the vote count for the 21st District as the night progressed. The 7 News crew had been invited by the campaign and was aware of the live broadcast plans before the speech began.
