Atilis Gym in New Jersey has repeatedly defied the state’s lockdown orders, insisting on staying open throughout the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic.
One of the gym’s owners appeared on Tucker Carlson’s show to discuss the state allegedly ’emptying’ the gym’s bank account to the tune of $173,613.60.
The co-owner of a South Jersey gym who has butted heads with state officials over his open defiance of coronavirus lockdown orders told “Tucker Carlson Tonight” Thursday that the state “emptied out every single dollar that we have” amid a legal fight over the legitimacy of millions of dollars in related fines.”As of yesterday morning, my partner [Frank Trumbetti] and I checked the bank statement … and we had no money in our bank account,” Atilis Gym co-owner Ian Smith told host Tucker Carlson.Smith tweeted Wednesday that New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy “and his cronies” had seized “100%” of their legal defense funds, an amount he said totaled $173,613.60.Smith further argued that the seizure amounts to “effectively and intentionally interfering with our right to council [sic].”If you think that’s gonna make us stand down, you’re delusional,” he concluded.. . . . Gyms are allowed to remain open in New Jersey, provided they follow COVID-19 protocols. According to Smith, Atilis Gym patrons are not required to wear masks, thus violating the protocols. The Bellmawr establishment is fined $15,000 every day it remains open and does not adhere to the protocols.”This is in the middle of an appeals process and ongoing litigation in the matter of the fines and several other matters regarding the state, including a lawsuit against Governor Murphy and [State Health Commissioner] Judith Persichilli,” Smith explained.A spokesman for the New Jersey Attorney General’s office told “Tucker Carlson Tonight” in an email Thursday that Smith’s information “is not accurate.”. . . . In a subsequent email, the spokesman indicated that $165,222.16 in assets had been “frozen as a result of a bank levy having been issued due to the State’s collection efforts”.”Again, we can confirm that we’re seeking to collect on the judgement that has been entered into –$134,463.08,” he concluded. “Whether that affects the entire balance of the gym’s funds is a question to ask the bank.”
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