NY Candidate Orders Reporter Out of Live Broadcast

A Republican congressional candidate in New York removed a television reporter from his election night event while delivering a live address. Anthony Constantino, who was leading Democratic opponent Blake Gendebien in the 21st Congressional District race Tuesday night, ordered 7 News reporter Garrett Domblewski and a cameraman to leave the stage.

The incident occurred during a speech broadcast on the 11 p.m. news. Constantino thanked President Donald Trump for having his back. He also acknowledged former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and political strategist Roger Stone. The candidate then directed criticism at what he called the evil news media.

Constantino and other individuals on stage used profane language before the network cut the live feed to cover other regional results. He singled out Domblewski and 7 News anchor Jeff Cole by name. Constantino referred to both men as a**holes. He also called a reporter from a different organization a f**king a**hole.

The candidate led the crowd in chanting kick him out. Five or six security guards escorted Domblewski out of the building. As the reporter was led outside, Constantino and the audience chanted f**k the evil media. Domblewski later reported that he was unsure what prompted the specific targeting.

Domblewski 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 Constantino campaign had invited 7 News and other media outlets to the party in Amsterdam. The town is located about a three-hour drive from Watertown. The campaign team knew the news crew was attending. An email from the team stated looking forward to seeing you all. Constantino continued to lead Gendebien in the district race as the night progressed.

The event marked a sharp departure from the earlier interview tone. The candidate’s team had confirmed media presence in advance. The removal from the stage concluded with the reporter broadcasting from the exterior parking area.