When Phil Murphy, Governor of New New Jersey, saw photos of a maskless gala on his phone, he didn’t hold back.
The image showed dozens of people packed into Maritime Parc, a restaurant inside Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at about 8 p.m. EST. The gathering was organized by the New York Young Republican Club (NYYRC) and featured U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, plus activist James O'Keefe. The event flagrantly breached New Jersey’s pandemic rules – no masks, no distancing, and a crowd well over the 150‑person cap.
Context: New Jersey’s Covid Restrictions in Late 2020
By late 2020 the state was operating under Executive Order 237 (issued November 12, 2020), which reinforced a mask mandate and capped indoor gatherings at 25 % of capacity, no more than 150 people, with a mandatory six‑foot buffer. Gov. Murphy had first imposed a statewide mask order on April 8, 2020 (Executive Order 191). Violations could trigger fines, temporary closures, or even criminal charges for repeat offenders.
Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop, a Democrat elected in 2013, had repeatedly warned local businesses that “any breach of the governor’s orders will be met with swift action.” The NYYRC gala was a direct test of that warning.
Details of the December 3 Gala
During the NYYRC political galaMaritime Parc, Jersey City, NJ, attendees swarmed around Rep. Gaetz as he signed autographs, all while refusing to wear masks. Video footage captured him laughing and waving to a crowd that was clearly violating social‑distancing guidelines.
Among the partygoers were several NYYRC leadership figures, including President Gavin Wax and Vice‑President Vish Burra. Both have been credited with steering the club toward a more combative, alcohol‑fueled culture after the 2016 Trump election.
The restaurant’s manager, who declined to comment, reportedly ignored a phone call from reporters on December 4. The venue’s license was temporarily suspended by Mayor Fulop later that day, citing “potential violations of coronavirus guidelines.”
Official Reactions
Gov. Murphy took to Twitter, posting a still of Rep. Gaetz surrounded by mask‑less supporters. “There is no obvious attempt to enforce social distancing or face masks even though wearing masks indoors is mandatory at organized gatherings when not eating or drinking,” he wrote, deliberately mispronouncing Gaetz’s last name as “Matt Putz.” He added, “You are not welcome in New Jersey, and frankly I don’t ever want you back in this state.”
Mayor Fulop followed up with an email to local media, calling the event “an egregious violation of the governor’s executive orders” that “blatantly disregards the protections put in place to safeguard the community from further contagion.” He warned that any repeat could result in permanent revocation of the restaurant’s liquor license.
Why This Matters: Political Symbolism Meets Public Health
The showdown wasn’t just about a rule‑breaker; it was a flashpoint in the cultural war over pandemic measures. Rep. Gaetz, a vocal opponent of mask mandates, used the gala to showcase his brand of “freedom‑first” politics. In contrast, Murphy framed the incident as a test of his administration’s resolve to protect New Jersey residents.
For the NYYRC, the backlash highlighted internal tensions. Some members praised the boldness, while others worried the club’s reputation was being harmed by “reckless” stunts that attracted negative press and potential legal trouble.
Broader Implications and Future Fallout
Within weeks, the NYYRC faced increased scrutiny from the New York State Board of Elections, which opened an inquiry into whether the gala’s attendance list breached campaign‑finance disclosure rules. Meanwhile, the club’s endorsement of Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro in the 2022 election—accompanied by unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud—suggested a deepening alignment with far‑right, anti‑establishment narratives.
Legal experts, like Laura Khan of the Rutgers School of Law, warned that “repeated violations of Executive Order 237 could lead to misdemeanor charges for organizers, especially if an outbreak is traced back to the event.” So far, no COVID‑19 cases have been directly linked to the gala, but health officials continue to monitor contact‑tracing data.
What Comes Next?
Governor Murphy has signaled that the state will keep a “laser focus” on any future breaches, especially those involving elected officials. He announced a new task force in January 2021 to oversee compliance at private venues hosting political gatherings.
For the NYYRC, the episode may serve as a cautionary tale. Club president Gavin Wax hinted at “re‑evaluating our event protocols,” but insiders say the organization remains committed to its “high‑energy, no‑rules” identity.
Key Facts
- Date & time: December 3, 2020, 8:00 p.m. EST
- Location: Maritime Parc, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ
- Primary attendees: Rep. Matt Gaetz, activist James O'Keefe
- Violations: No masks, no six‑foot distancing, exceeded 150‑person capacity limit
- Consequences: Restaurant temporarily closed; Governor Murphy publicly rebuked Gaetz; ongoing investigations into NYYRC’s compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the maskless gala breach New Jersey’s pandemic rules?
The state’s Executive Order 237 capped indoor events at 25 % capacity, a hard limit of 150 guests, required masks at all times (except when eating), and mandated six‑foot distancing. The NYYRC gathering had well over 150 people, no masks, and no spacing, directly contravening every provision of the order.
What actions did Governor Phil Murphy take after seeing the footage?
Murphy posted a photo of Rep. Gaetz surrounded by unmasked supporters on Twitter, publicly condemned the event, mispronounced “Gaetz” as “Matt Putz,” and declared the congressman unwelcome in New Jersey. He also directed state health officials to investigate the venue’s compliance.
Why is the involvement of Matt Gaetz significant?
Gaetz has positioned himself as a vocal opponent of mask mandates and other Covid‑19 restrictions. His presence at the maskless gala amplified the political symbolism of defying state orders, turning a local health violation into a national flashpoint.
What repercussions could the New York Young Republican Club face?
Beyond the restaurant’s temporary closure, the club may encounter fines for violating Executive Order 237, potential misdemeanor charges for organizers, and deeper investigations into campaign‑finance disclosures linked to the event.
How does this incident reflect broader political trends?
The gala illustrates the clash between pandemic‑relief policies and a growing faction of Republican activists who frame public‑health mandates as infringements on personal liberty. It also shows the NYYRC’s shift toward more confrontational, far‑right posturing since the 2016 Trump election.
