New Jersey Gym Re-Opens in Defiance of Coronavirus Measures

A gym in New Jersey re-opened for business early Monday, defying a state order that shut down nonessential businesses to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.

People began gathering outside the Atilis Gym in Bellmawr several hours before it reopened at 8 a.m. The owners have said the decision to resume operations at the members-only facility was not about financial gain, but rather a question of Constitutional rights.

“We truly believe that if we don’t do this, in the end, we will have zero rights and no say in what happens,” co-owner Frank Trumbetti said in a video posted on the gym’s social media. Trumbetti has said he recently lost a loved one to the coronavirus.

Dozens of people came out to show their support for the gym, with many holding signs critical of Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy and others waving American flags. Only some were wearing face coverings and most people tightly clustered together on the sidewalk and parking area in front of the gym.

“If they shut us down today, we’ll re-open tomorrow,” co-owner Ian Smith told the cheering crowd. The gym then saw a steady stream of customers as the morning progressed.

Around 10:30 a.m., police approached the business and spoke with the gym owners. The officers informed them they were formally in violation of the shutdown order, adding that police were present “only for everybody’s safety.” The officers then wished everyone well and told them “have a nice day” before walking away from the gym as the crowd erupted in cheers.

“They (the officers) actually surprised …. me,” Trumbetti said afterward, noting that they “did their job and upheld their oath … and know that we are not doing anything wrong. It’s about time for every police officer out there to understand we all have rights and, even as a police officer, you don’t have to do this. It is unconstitutional. It’s that simple. We have the right to work.”

Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy said he wasn’t concerned other businesses would begin to follow suit because the state is beginning to take steps to re-open. He did, however, suggest the state might take action if the defiance continues.

“I’m not concerned it will spiral out of control, and we will take action,” Gov. Murphy said. “If you show up at that gym again tomorrow, there’s going to be a different reality than showing up today. These aren’t just words. We’ve got to enforce this, but I also don’t want to start World War III.”

State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan said the gym’s owners were issued a court summons over the violation of the governor’s shut-down executive order and clients were given a warning.

Speaking outside the gym after the summonses were issued, the gym’s owners told supporters that they shouldn’t be concerned because the citations “are going to get thrown out because they’re unconstitutional.” They also rebuked those who criticized police for issuing the summonses, stating “they were only doing their jobs.”

Trumbetti urged other businesses to take similar stands and re-open, but noted the several steps the gym has taken in their efforts to ensure social distancing and protect patrons’ safety.

“Make sure you’re compliant, you can’t just open up and be a rebel,” he said.

Among the precautions the gym owners took were taping off workout stations and operating at 20% of the building’s capacity, meaning about 44 patrons at a time. They also were requiring patrons to wear masks unless they were in the middle of lifting weights.

Gym staff will be taking patrons’ temperatures at the door and anyone at 100.4 or above will not be allowed inside. The gym’s owners also said it wouldn’t allow any new members to join Monday.