Candidate Leads Crowd in Chant Before Security Removes Reporter

Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino removed a local television reporter from his election-night party on Tuesday. The incident occurred while the candidate was addressing a crowd in Amsterdam, New York, and was captured on a live broadcast. Constantino was leading his Democratic opponent, Blake Gendebien, in the race for the 21st Congressional District at the time.

The candidate had invited news organizations to the event. His campaign team confirmed the crew’s arrival via email, writing, "Looking forward to seeing you all." Earlier in the evening, the reporter, Garrett Domblewski, conducted an interview with Constantino that aired on the 10 p.m. newscast. Domblewski described that interaction as cordial.

At 11 p.m., the news crew began a live segment that lasted between 15 and 16 minutes. During this window, Constantino thanked President Donald Trump, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and strategist Roger Stone. He also criticized what he called the "evil news media." The speech concluded with the use of profanity before the crew cut away to report on other regional results.

After the live segment ended, Constantino continued speaking on stage. He singled out Domblewski and 7 News anchor Jeff Cole, calling both of them a**holes. He used similar language for a reporter from another news organization. Constantino then instructed Domblewski to leave the venue.

The crowd followed the candidate’s lead, chanting "Kick him out" repeatedly. Five or six security guards escorted Domblewski to the exit. As he was led outside, the group chanted, "F**k the evil media." Domblewski reported live from the parking lot immediately after leaving the building.

Domblewski said he did not know what specific action prompted the ejection. He noted that he had no further contact with the candidate after their earlier interview. The event took place in Amsterdam, a location approximately three hours from Watertown.

The candidate’s team did not issue a separate statement regarding the specific timeline of the removal. The incident was part of the coverage for the 11 p.m. news cycle on Tuesday.