New Jersey Gym Claims State Seized $173K From Bank, Owner Discusses Cryptocurrency Solutions With Tucker Carlson

On Jan. 14, Ian Smith, the co-owner of New Jersey’s Atilis Gym, appeared on Fox News with newscaster Tucker Carlson discussing his battle with New Jersey state coronavirus lockdown orders. Smith and his business associate defied state lockdown orders and stayed open for months. The Bellmawr company has been fined $ 15,000 per day for failing to enforce Covid-19 protocols. On Wednesday night, New Jersey state allegedly took action and confiscated $ 173,613 from the gym owner’s bank account.

The Atilis gym owner claims the state of New Jersey withdrew $ 173,000 from his bank account

The co-owner of Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, New Jersey (NJ) is extremely upset because he says his appeals were seized by the state on Wednesday. Ian Smith and his business partner Frank Trumbetti own and operate the gym. Since the coronavirus outbreak began, the company has refused to adhere to the state-enforced Covid-19 protocols.

The co-owners of Atmais Gym in Bellmawr, New Jersey (NJ), Ian Smith (left) and Frank Trumbetti (right).

For example, the Atilis Gym does not require that guests of the gym wear masks during exercise. After Atilis Gym refused to follow lockdown protocols established by New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy and State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli, it was fined $ 15,000 per day for staying open this way.

In July, New Jersey police barricaded the entrance to Atilis Gym and arrested Smith and Trumbetti for defying court orders. A week later, Smith and Trumbetti filmed breaking down the barricades the state was using to block the doors of the Atilis gym. Smith and his partner emphasize that there have been no cases of Covid-19 attributed to the gym.

Free men are not silenced.
Free men are not intimidated.
Free men are not oppressed.

– Ian Smith (@iansmithfitness) January 9, 2021

After adding up to $ 15,000 in daily fines, the levy on the NJ establishment has risen well over $ 1 million to date. This week, Smith tweeted that the state increased enforcement on Wednesday by seizing $ 173,613 from the gym owner’s bank account.

Smith said:

Moments ago, Governor Murphy and friends confiscated 100% of Atilis Gym’s legal protection money (US $ 173,613.60) in the middle of our appeal – effectively and deliberately to interfere with our right to legal advice. If you think this will make us resign, you are delusional.

Cryptocurrencies are one of the most common recommendations, says New Jersey Gym Owner

After the tweet, some people recommended the owner of the Atilis Gym to accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Smith also appeared on Fox News after the funds were confiscated and discussed the incident with news anchor Tucker Carlson.

“This is in the midst of an appeal and an ongoing lawsuit regarding the fines and several other matters relating to the state, including a lawsuit against Governor Murphy and [the State Health Commissioner] Judith Persichilli, ”explained Smith Carlson. During the episode, Tucker Carlson also mentioned the topic of cryptocurrencies.

“How long will cryptocurrencies exist,” Carlson asked the Atilis Gym owner, who giggled to himself. Carlson went on laughing and went on to say, “Sorry, it’s just a thought as they can’t get it from you …” Smith responded to Carlson’s comment on the cryptocurrency and said, “No, you can’t [seize crypto]. ”

The owner of the Atilis Gym added:

One of the most common recommendations for people who want to continue donating is to set up a cryptocurrency account.

It is uncertain whether Ian Smith and Frank Trumbetti will set up a cryptocurrency account to accept censorship-resistant donations. Whether or not the Atilis gym owners decide to accept crypto or not, history still shows the benefits of having crypto assets like Bitcoin that cannot be seized this way. This is probably why digital currencies are one of the most common recommendations given to gym owners in New Jersey. Despite recent claims made by Smith on Twitter and Fox News, the NJ attorney general denies the seizure of money.

“This information is incorrect,” an NJAG spokesman told news anchor Carlson. “The state did not take action [its] Bank account balances. However, the state has received judgments against the owners and intends to confiscate them. Whether this will affect the total balance of the gym is a question the bank needs to ask, ”added the NJAG spokesman.

What do you think of the Atilis Gym owner’s problems with the state? Do you think they should accept cryptocurrencies like bitcoin? Let us know in the comments below.

Tags in this story

Atilis Gym, Bitcoin, Bitcoin (BTC), BTC, Censorship Resistant, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency Account, Fox News, Frank Trumbetti, Gym Owner, Ian Smith, Judith Persichilli, Lock Logs, Bans, New Jersey, NJ, NJ Governor, Philip Murphy, Tucker Carlson

Photo credit: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons, Fox News, Twitter, Atilis Gym,

Disclaimer of liability: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell or a recommendation or approval of products, services or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author are directly or indirectly responsible for any damage or loss caused or allegedly caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

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