Controversial NJ Gym Becomes Rally Site For Booker Opponent

BELLMAWR, NJ — A South Jersey gym that has repeatedly defied Gov. Phil Murphy's executive stay-at-home order is now a rallying site for the Republican who is challenging Sen. Cory Booker in November's elections.

Ian Smith, co-owner of Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, said in a social media post on Friday that the gym would become a political rally and volunteer location for Rik Mehta, effective immediately.

It will not be open for use as a gym. Smith said people will only be permitted in the gym if they join the campaign.

The Borough of Bellmawr recently revoked Smith and Trumbetti's mercantile license for repeatedly opening against Murphy's order to remain closed amid the coronavirus pandemic. They have also been fined $130,000 by the state.

“Today, I am proud to announce that the owners of Atilis gym, Ian Smith and Frank Trumbetti have joined the Rik Mehta for U.S. Senate campaign Finance Committee,” Mehta said in a statement. “Effective immediately, our campaign will begin holding daily political rallies by those members who volunteer on our campaign at the Atilis Gym location in Bellmawr. My campaign is rooted in supporting the hardworking people of New Jersey and saving the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy both here in New Jersey and across our great country. Our Constitutional rights are sacred to all Americans and elected officials who believe the Bill of Rights are above their pay grade, degrade the American Dream.”

The State Attorney General's Office and the Governor's Office didn't comment on the development. A representative from the Borough of Bellmawr wasn't immediately available Monday morning. A representative from Mehta's campaign wasn't immediately available for further comment Monday morning.

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“This is not about political party, this is about supporting someone who supports our right to stay healthy,” Smith said in a statement on the gym’s Facebook page. “We encourage all of our visitors to sign up and volunteer for the Rik Mehta for Senate Campaign at our address.”

Smith and Trumbetti are also asking for donations to help them pay the fines that have been leveled against them for continuing to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"Due to the heavy fines levied against us we ask visitors to donate to us to help us support our fight for all of our rights, most importantly our First Amendment rights and your rights to stay health in the face of this pandemic,” they said.

They are facing $130,000 in fines from the state, as well as an additional $15,497.76 per day for every day that the gym remains open. Read more here: NJ Fines Gym Owners Who Defied Murphy $130K: Officials

As part of that ruling, the state was permitted to build a new barricade at the entrance to the establishment. The owners previously kicked in a wooden barricade that was put up to keep them out of the gym. Read more here: NJ Gym Owners Kick In Doors, Reopen After Arrest Over Defiance

On Aug. 11, the Bellmawr Borough Council rescinded their mercantile license. Read more here: NJ Town Rescinds License Of Gym That Defied Murphy's Order

Bellmawr Borough Council revoked their license after Smith and Trumbetti were arrested on July 27 when they continued to run their gym despite a superior court judge's finding that the gym was in contempt, according to Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer. Read more here: NJ Gym Owners Reopen After Violating Murphy Order: Prosecutor

Smith and Trumbetti have repeatedly argued that the state is impeding on their civil rights. In Mehta, they said they have found an ally in their fight.

“Mehta is the only candidate for any office who has shown support for our fight for the US Constitution” Trumbetti said. “Rik has proven to me that his support for us is not superficial. He is a noted public health expert who knows our gym has been a safe place to visit.”

“We will continue to be a loud vocal voice for those who have been silenced and treated unfairly by overreaching politicians,” Mehta said. “I stand shoulder to shoulder with Ian, Frank and all of the hardworking dedicated small business owners who just want a fair shake and I will continue to fight alongside all of them. Together, we will make New Jersey a place to live, not leave.”

The gym first made headlines when it reopened in May, but was quickly shut back down by court order the same week. At one point, authorities put a padlock on the door, but that was later removed.

Since then, the state has claimed Atilis Gym was operating beyond capacity limits and without social distancing, and without following the health and safety protocols issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The gym was closed as part of a statewide executive order closing non-essential businesses in March. In reopened three times in one week in May in defiance of the order. The gym was closed by order of the state after the third reopening. It then reopened a fourth time, but was shut down again by court order.

Smith and Trumbetti then filed a federal lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of the state's "Draconian" shelter-in-place executive orders. Read more: South Jersey Gym Owners That Defied Murphy's Order File Lawsuit

As they filed their lawsuit, Smith and Trumbetti filed a request to reopen via temporary restraining order, which was denied by the same judge that was to hear the new request. Despite the judge denying their request, the gym reopened anyway. Read more here: Judge Denies NJ Gym Owners' Temporary Restraining Order: Report

See related: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know