On Monday morning, the owners of the Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, New Jersey were arrested for violating the lockdown order of Democratic Governor Phil Murphy.

Ian Smith, 33, and Frank Trumbetti, 51, were arrested and charged with one count of fourth-degree contempt, one count of obstruction, and one count of Violation of a Disaster Control Act, and could face fines for their actions, according to NJ.com.

This comes three days after a Superior Court judge ruled that Murphy had the authority to shut the gym down, and that the two owners were in contempt of court for trying to keep it open. Despite this warning, authorities reportedly saw “a number of people” walking into the gym to use it over the weekend.

Smith posted footage of himself and Trumbetti being arrested to Instagram.

“Welcome to America 2020, where feeding your family and standing up for your Constitutional rights is illegal. @govmurphy flexing his little tyrant muscles finally — only took him 70 days,” Smith wrote in the caption.

“Officers from the county sheriffs entered the premises without a warrant or adhering to the signage posted on the door requesting they call first. They took Frank and I away and boarded up our private place of business,” he added. “This is gonna be fun in court. If this doesn’t alarm you, you’re part of the problem.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDJYGvgFCNo/?utm_source=ig_embed

This particular gym first made waves back in May, when the owners refused to comply with Murphy’s executive order that shut down all nonessential” businesses in the state, including gyms. A battle ensued that lasted for weeks between the gym owners and the state, with government authorities going so far as to change the gym’s locks and construct barriers blocking the entrance, according to The Blaze.

After the judge’s ruling on Friday, Smith posted a video to social media in which he defiantly pledged to not back down.

“They are on their way to change our locks,” Smith captioned the video, referring to the authorities. “Frank and I will be held up inside the gym and WILL not be leaving. Any support is appreciated – inside, outside, or online. Please share, tag, and repost. It’s f***ing showtime.”

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CDCAftNlXDR/?utm_source=ig_embed

This piece was written by PoliZette Staff on July 27, 2020. It originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission.

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