NJ Governor Loses His Cool With Anti-Vaccine Protesters

Newark NJ

04 August, 2021

4:00 PM

Description

NEW JERSEY — "You are the ultimate knuckleheads." This coronavirus-related insult – a favorite of Gov. Phil Murphy's – was one of several choice phrases the governor had for a group of protesters on Wednesday. The dustup took place in Union City, while Murphy spoke at a news conference about the state's revamped eviction ban. Read More: NJ Eviction Law Is Game Changer For Renters, Landlords The governor's speech took an impromptu detour as he spoke about rising COVID-19 case numbers and the need to get a vaccine. "These folks back there have lost their minds," Murphy said, pointing his finger at a group of protesters who carried signs reading "No Forced Injections" and "Forced Medical Procedures Are Crimes Against Humanity." "You are the ultimate knuckleheads," Murphy angrily added. And because of what you are saying and standing for, people are losing their [lives]." "You have to know that," the governor implored. "Look in the mirror." Watch a video of Wednesday's news conference below. Earlier this week, Murphy and other officials announced a vaccine mandate for many health care workers throughout the state, with affected employees required to take regular COVID-19 tests if they're not fully vaccinated against the disease. See related article: COVID Vaccines, Testing Now Mandatory For NJ Health Care Staff Health officials, including those at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have warned of rising coronavirus case numbers in New Jersey, possibly driven by the more contagious delta variant. See related article: Should New Jersey Mask Up Again? Take Patch's SurveySee related article: Driven By Delta Variant, COVID Cases Quadruple In NJSee related article: NJ Businesses Change Mask Rules As COVID Cases Surge NEW JERSEY #COVID19 UPDATE: 1,164 new positive PCR tests 911,287 total positive PCR tests 422 new positive antigen tests 132,415 total positive antigen tests 13 new confirmed deaths 23,906 total confirmed deaths 2,719 probable deaths https://t.co/JW1q8awGh7 pic.twitter.com/wFDFoxCO6x— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 4, 2021 Many New Jersey residents have been supportive of Murphy's recent decisions on vaccinations, as well as his reaction to protesters on Wednesday. NJ governor murphy yelling at people who were protesting against the vaccine love it here— (@mzshannonn) August 4, 2021 NJ Gov. Murphy to Anti-vaccine Hecklers: "You've lost your minds! You are the ultimate knuckleheads!" Wonderfully, accurately stated, Governor Murphy! Thank you Sir!— G.Lombardi (@greggo1685) August 4, 2021 I hear criticism of Murphy all the time--but our governor saved many lives and his admin rolled out vaccines in a timely, efficient way. I live in the reddest area of a blue state. Even red hats admit he's saved lives.— Kathe (@KatheKathesw) August 4, 2021 Others have not. As seen online: He needs look in the mirror. It was Murphy who sent Covid positive people back to LTC. Over 8k dead. Number one in Covid deaths in the county. Now who is the knucklehead? Vote Murphy Out— imanurse (@imanurse) August 4, 2021 Governor Murphy is a tyrant just like the rest of the dem tyrants who think they can mandate me to take a vaccine. That's not how it works in America, Governor— Joe M (@joem_Philly) August 4, 2021 Murphy was very close to losing it! We've got to keep the pressure on him. NO vaccine mandates and NO vaccine passports!!— Jim Williams (@JimWill_KAG) August 4, 2021 Send news tips and correction requests to [email protected] Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.