Trenton, NJ – An article this week in the Star-Ledger revealed that New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is upset that pro-Palestinian protesters used a tactic straight out of the Democrat Party’s political playbook against him.
Governor Phil Murphy addressed a recent confrontation with protesters at the governor’s mansion, emphasizing the right to protest but questioning the timing and location of the incident.
The confrontation occurred a few days after protesters opposing Israel’s offensive in Gaza approached Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy during a Lunar New Year party at Drumthwacket, the state residence in Princeton. Murphy, in a private text message to staff members, expressed that he was “white hot mad” and “absolutely furious” about the incident, a message which became public after inadvertently including a reporter from NJ Advance Media in the text chain, the newspaper wrote.
During a public appearance in Newark, when asked for comments, Governor Murphy reiterated the importance of protecting innocent lives and acknowledged the passions surrounding the conflict. He stated, “People have a right to protest. I don’t begrudge them that. But there’s a time and a place.”
Following the incident, a spokeswoman for Murphy’s office announced that they are re-evaluating event protocols, expressing regret for the disturbance caused to guests. This statement came amid calls for an apology from the protesters who demanded action after the clash at the Governor’s mansion.