Pallotta: Murphy broke his promise to the people, violated the Bill of Rights

Frank Pallotta, the Republican candidate in the 5th congressional district, issued the following statement regarding Governor Phil Murphy’s nationally broadcasted interview last evening with Tucker Carlson:

“When asked on what authority did he act to nullify portions of the Bill of Rights — specifically the arrests of 15 congregants for worshipping at a synagogue, Governor Phil Murphy said: “That’s above my pay grade….” and “I wasn’t thinking of the Bill of Rights when we did this.”

Phil Murphy didn’t misspeak, or fumble over his words. Make no mistake here; the senior most elected official in the State of New Jersey isn’t in crisis management mode. He has an agenda.

Murphy shut down religious gatherings because people “might” get too close, but allowed mass transit to remain open where they would be too close. He also claimed that liquor stores were essential for mental health, but churches and parks were not. He has sent armed officials to break up and arrest religious congregants who were practicing better social distancing than occurs at his own press conferences and photo ops.

Murphy released thousands of convicted criminals into communities but then denied at-risk members of those communities their Second Amendment right to self-defense.  Houses of worship and gun stores can enforce social distancing far easier than Lowes, Walmart, and Bottle King.

Phil Murphy claims that he values every life, yet remained silent when basic funding for COVID-19 testing was denied to four counties that refused to support him in 2017.  Despite the fact that these four counties have as many COVID-19 cases as New Mexico and more than 12 other states.

Murphy has banned elective surgeries, economically endangering hospitals, leaving patients to suffer.  While doing so, he has played politics and made an exception for abortion clinics. The Governor has specifically targeted people of faith and people of conscience, with his assault on religious congregations.  In doing so, he has violated their civil rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.

When he took his oath of office as Governor, Phil Murphy promised to uphold the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.  Last evening, he admitted to violating that oath.

He should correct the situation or resign.