New Jersey Gym Owner Cleared of Charges for Violating COVID-19 Restrictions

Charges Dismissed Against Atilis Gym Owner

Ian Smith, the co-owner of Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, New Jersey, who gained national attention for defying COVID-19 restrictions by keeping his gym open, has had all charges against him dropped. Smith announced on social media on May 18 that over 80 charges against him and co-owner Frank Trumbetti have been dismissed with prejudice, meaning they cannot be refiled. The charges included violations of a governor’s order, public nuisance, disturbing the peace, and operating without a license. Smith expressed gratitude for the local, national, and international support they received for their stance.

Smith's Statement on the Victory

Smith referred to the dismissal of charges as a major victory in their fight against the state. He stated that this victory gives them the opportunity to continue to challenge the actions of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. Smith also thanked his attorneys, acknowledging that many high-profile lawyers had shied away from their case due to its complexity and potential backlash.

Heavy Fines for Defying COVID-19 Restrictions

Smith and Trumbetti accumulated hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, including a daily fine of $15,000, for keeping their gym open contrary to a state-wide order for non-essential businesses to close during the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020. They argued that they had implemented various safety protocols at the gym and had only identified a single case of the virus linked to the facility, despite having over 84,000 visits.

Legal Battle and Future Plans

Despite the heavy fines and multiple charges, the duo filed a federal lawsuit against the state, accusing Governor Murphy, then-Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, and other New Jersey police officials of violating their constitutional rights by forcing them to close their business. Smith's legal victory follows his unsuccessful attempt to run for Congress in 2022, where he intended to focus on "liberty, small government, and America First policies," and pledged to combat COVID-19 mandates, escalating illegal immigration, and increased government spending.

Closing Thoughts

This case raises important questions about the balance between public health and individual freedoms during a pandemic. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you believe the gym owners were right to defy the restrictions, or should they have complied for the sake of public health? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.