Election Night: Candidate Orders Reporter Out of Party

Republican Anthony Constantino ordered a television reporter to exit his election night gathering on Tuesday while he addressed supporters in Amsterdam, New York.

At the time of the incident, Constantino was ahead of Democratic challenger Blake Gendebien in the race for the 21st Congressional District. Local affiliate 7 News broadcast 15 to 16 minutes of the candidate's speech as the lead segment of its 11 p.m. newscast. During the address, Constantino expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for having his back. He also acknowledged former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and political strategist Roger Stone.

The candidate shifted his tone when addressing the press, labeling the news media as evil. Constantino and other individuals on stage used profane language before the television station cut the live feed to cover other regional results.

Reporter Garrett Domblewski stated that he had conducted a cordial interview with Constantino earlier that evening. He was unsure what specific action triggered the candidate's sudden command for him to leave. Constantino called Domblewski and 7 News anchor Jeff Cole a**holes. He also referred to a reporter from another organization as a f**king a**hole.

Constantino led the audience in a chant demanding, Kick him out. Five or six security guards escorted Domblewski from the building. As the reporter was led outside, the crowd chanted F**k the evil media. Domblewski then delivered a live report from the event parking lot.

The campaign had invited 7 News and other media outlets to the venue, located about a three-hour drive from Watertown. The team knew the news crew was attending the event. In an email to the staff, the campaign wrote, Looking forward to seeing you all.