More Prominent Democrats Caught Violating COVID Restrictions at Large Birthday Party
New York Democratic lawmakers pictured at lavish bash
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Several prominent New York Democrats have been caught attending a large birthday party, in violation of the state's strict COVID-19 restrictions.
A number of Brooklyn Democrats have caused outrage after images from a lavish recent event showed a packed venue full of unmasked guests that exceeded state guidelines.
Many attendees violated New York's coronavirus rules by neither wearing masks nor keeping to social distancing rules.
The party took place on November 14 to mark the 50th birthday of Carlo Scissura, who heads the New York Building Congress, a powerful construction trade group.
Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Ingrid Lewis-Martin and former Brooklyn Democratic Party Chairman Frank Seddio were in attendance, according to Fox News.
The event took place despite Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio strongly urging New Yorkers not to have traditional multi-generational Thanksgiving dinners and New York's Democrat Gov. Andrew Cuomo saying private gatherings should have no more than 10 people.
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On Nov. 13, a statewide order limiting both indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences to 10 people took effect, according to Western Journal.
Given that there were many prominent Democrats at this party, perhaps @NYGovCuomo should address the reckless, dangerous behavior of @CarloScissura Ingrid Lewis-Martin Frank Seddio and others.
— Steve Kastenbaum (@SKastenbaum) November 20, 2020
Many said there was no excuse for breaking the rules.
This is an embarrassment. Every one of these people should resign https://t.co/7Of8nICtxv
— james patchett (@jbpatchett) November 20, 2020
This is an embarrassment. Every one of these people should resign https://t.co/7Of8nICtxv
— james patchett (@jbpatchett) November 20, 2020
“Many of the most panicked purveyors of COVID craziness are actually members of the ‘good for thee, not for me’ set,” Joseph Borelli, a Republican city councilman from Staten Island, told The New York Times.
De Blasio’s spokesman was even more blunt.
“This party was asinine, counterproductive, and insulting to all New Yorkers,” Mitch Schwartz told The Times.
“Every attendee should apologize and then match their words with actions,” he said.
"City Hall expects them to start by holding responsible, virtual Thanksgiving celebrations next week."
Although images showed a crowded event, Seddio told the New York Daily News he and Scissura and “about 10 others got together.”
“I was there with 10 people there, and that was it,” Seddio added to Politico.
“It’s ridiculous. Here’s my feeling: Thank God that’s the only news we got in the whole f—ing city.”
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When told pictures showed more than 10 people at the event, he replied to the Daily News, "That’s a great angle. … I can’t even imagine that.”
Seddio further offered an off-color response when asked about the event.
“I farted about four times, but fortunately it didn’t smell,” he said.
"That was a good thing that happened.
“My wife punched me twice ‘cause she heard me do it.
"That was the most exciting part of the night.”
Lewis-Martin claimed guests arrived in shifts and that any images appearing to show a large crowd were taken when shifts overlapped.
Scissura later said there were “shortcomings” that he regrets.
“I greatly appreciate the gesture of my friends to throw me a surprise party, but we must follow strict protocols so we can get past this pandemic,” he said in a statement.
The Brooklyn Democrats were not the first to be caught partying outside the rules. Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom made headlines earlier this month for ditching COVID-19 rules at a swanky dinner.
