Reporter forced out of Republican candidate’s election party during profane-laced speech on live television

AMSTERDAM, New York (WWNY/Gray News) - Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino ordered a 7 News reporter and cameraman to leave his election-night party while he was thanking supporters and criticizing the news media.

Speech carried on 11 p.m. news

Constantino was leading Democratic opponent Blake Gendebien in the race for the 21st Congressional District Tuesday night.

7 News aired 15 to 16 minutes of Constantino’s live speech to lead the 11 p.m. news in which he thanked President Donald Trump “for having my back.”

Constantino also thanked former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and political strategist and advisor Roger Stone.

However, the Republican candidate also criticized “the evil news media.”

Constantino and other people who came to the stage used inappropriate language before 7 News left live coverage to report on other election results in the region.

Reporter ordered to leave

Constantino continued to speak before randomly singling out 7 News reporter Garrett Domblewski.

He called Domblewski and 7 News anchor Jeff Cole a**holes. He also called a reporter from a different organization a “f**king a**hole.”

Constantino then ordered Domblewski to leave and led the crowd in a chant, “Kick him out. Kick him out.”

Five or six security guards escorted Domblewski out of the building.

While Domblewski was led outside, Constantino and the crowd chanted, “F**k the evil media.”

Reporter unsure of reason

Domblewski was unsure what prompted Constantino to order him to leave.

He said he conducted a cordial interview with Constantino earlier in the evening, a portion of which aired on our 10 p.m. newscast.

Live report from parking lot

After Domblewski was escorted outside, he reported live from the parking lot.

Campaign invited media

Constantino’s campaign invited 7 News and other news media to his election-night party in Amsterdam, about a 3-hour drive from Watertown.

Constantino’s team was aware that our news crew was coming to the event and, in an email, said, “Looking forward to seeing you all.”

Constantino was leading Democratic opponent Blake Gendebien in the race for the 21st Congressional District Tuesday night.