Candidate Orders Reporter Out of Election Rally on Live TV
Anthony Constantino directed five security guards to remove a journalist from his Amsterdam party after a profane exchange during a 11 p.m. broadcast.
By Alessia Desai ·
Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino directed five security guards to remove a news crew from his election-night gathering in Amsterdam, New York, on Tuesday. The incident occurred while the candidate was addressing supporters and criticizing local media outlets during a live television broadcast.
Constantino, who was leading Democratic opponent Blake Gendebien in the race for the 21st Congressional District, appeared on the 11 p.m. news segment for 7 News. The station aired 15 to 16 minutes of his speech, in which he thanked President Donald Trump, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and political strategist Roger Stone for their support.
The tone shifted when Constantino referred to the "evil news media." He singled out 7 News reporter Garrett Domblewski and anchor Jeff Cole, calling them "a**holes." He also used similar profanity to describe a reporter from a different organization. Constantino then ordered Domblewski to leave the stage and led the crowd in a chant demanding the reporter be kicked out.
While security escorts led Domblewski outside, Constantino and the audience chanted "F**k the evil media." Domblewski reported that he conducted a cordial interview with Constantino earlier that evening, a portion of which aired on the 10 p.m. newscast. He stated he was unsure what specific action prompted the candidate to order him removed from the event.
The candidate’s campaign had explicitly invited 7 News and other media organizations to the party, located about three hours from Watertown. The campaign team confirmed via email that they were expecting the news crew, writing, "Looking forward to seeing you all." The invitation stands in contrast to the physical removal of the reporter and cameraman from the venue.
After being escorted to the parking lot, Domblewski delivered a live report from outside the building. The 11 p.m. news broadcast continued with the segment, capturing the profane exchange and the subsequent ejection. The event highlighted tensions between the candidate and the press corps present at the venue.
