Gov. Phil Murphy attended two rallies Sunday in Westfield and Hillside in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, and one state lawmaker says he should be cited for violating his own executive orders.

 

Gov. Murphy went to Westfield after being asked by a Westfield High School junior. Thousands of people were here.

In Hillside, the governor marched on the streets in support too, and that's the problem, says Republican Jay Webber, of the State Assembly.

He says by the governor marching, he's defying his own executive order banning gatherings of more than 25 people.

In a letter to Col. Patrick J. Callahan of the state police, Assemblyman Webber wrote, "consistent with the treatment of other individuals who have committed similar acts, that behaviors appears to merit a criminal citation.

Webber went on to say, quoting the governor's own words, "as you yourself have warned, 'because lives are at stake, enforcement action will be taken without hesitation against those who are blatantly placing the lives of others at risk."

The governor was asked about it Monday at his daily briefing.

"I can't imagine what it would look like if we said to people actually, you've got to stay in, you have to ignore systemic racism I'm sorry, just ignore it, just stay inside you can't go out and voice your anger, your rightful anger,” says Gov. Murphy. “I can't imagine what that looks like, in relation to public safety."

In his letter, Assemblyman Webber mentioned the penalties for anyone who violates the executive order -- six months in jail, a maximum fine of $1,000, or both.

The governor has said everyone who attended the rally should be tested for coronavirus. He, and the first lady, have their tests scheduled.