Ian Smith, a gym owner in New Jersey who refused to shut his doors throughout COVID is now running for Congress.
QUICK FACTS:
- One day after being sentenced to a year of probation for defying government orders to close his gym during the pandemic, Ian Smith is now running for Congress in New Jersey’s 3rd district.
- Smith gained national attention in 2020 when he kept his gym open despite losing his business license and being issued hundreds of thousands worth of fees.
- Despite court orders, it was reported Smith has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission and he sent out a preliminary tweet Sunday.
- “This Thursday 2/3 I’ll be formally announcing my campaign for Congress in NJ CD-3 against @AndyKimNJ. I am truly excited to have the possibility to serve the people of NJ with a platform focused on liberty, small government, and America First policies,” Smith said.
- Political consultant Steve Kush, who is working alongside Smith, spoke to New Jersey 101.5, saying that the news is not merely a rumor.
- “Yes, he’s serious. We have a fundraising consultant on board. I’ll be bringing in a campaign manager next week. It’s serious,” Kush said.
SMITH ON HIS SENTENCING FOR DEFYING GOVERNMENT LOCKDOWNS:
“Thanks to all who joined in on our sentencing hearing. So many came that the server crashed. We got one year probation for the crime of taking our doors off to prevent government goons from locking us out of our gym. @theatilisgym is open and will remain open at any cost.”
BACKGROUND:
- Smith went all in to keep his business running during the early days of the pandemic, despite the pushback he received for defying Gov. Phil Murphy’s mandates.
- During the summer of 2020 Smith removed the door hinges to his Bellmawr, New Jersey gym to keep authorities from keeping them shut, leading to his year-long probation sentence.
- In 2021, he once again defied orders by offering free gym memberships to patrons who were unvaccinated and said his business will continue to “remain open at any cost.”
- The Atilis Gym Owner will be running against Democrat and former Obama White House staffer Andy Kim.
