Sand, Surf, and Socialism? Marjorie Taylor Greene Condemns ‘Commie’ Democrats for Beach Access Fees
By Jake Beardslee ·
August 28, 2024
A recent arrest at a New Jersey beach has ignited a political debate, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene weighing in on the incident. Megan Smith-USA TODAY
Last Tuesday, Liam Mahoney, a 28-year-old surfer from California, found himself in an altercation with law enforcement at Belmar's 19th Avenue Beach in New Jersey, according to ABC7 New York.
The confrontation arose when Mahoney was unable to produce a beach badge, a daily $12 permit required for accessing the shore and its waters. Belmar Police Department / Facebook
Video footage of the incident, which shows Mahoney being forcefully restrained and arrested, quickly went viral on social media platforms.
The Belmar Police Department subsequently released bodycam footage of the encounter. Belmar Police Department / Facebook
Rep. Greene, known for her controversial statements, took to social media platform X to criticize the incident. Jasper Colt / USA TODAY NETWORK
Green wrote, "This surfer was arrested in Belmar Beach, NJ for NOT HAVING A 'BEACH BADGE' meanwhile American taxpayers are PAYING TO HOUSE, FEED, PROVIDE HEALTHCARE FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS!!" Megan Smith-USA TODAY
The Georgia representative further expressed her disapproval of the beach badge policy, calling it "IDIOTIC" and "ABSURD."
She attributed the policy to Democrats, referring to them as "commie idiots." Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America / Wikimedia
However, it's worth noting that beach access fees have been a longstanding practice in northern Jersey Shore areas since 1937, predating current political administrations.
In fact, in 2019, Democratic Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation to protect public access to coastal areas. Phil Murphy / Wikimedia
Belmar Police Chief Scott clarified that Mahoney's arrest was not solely due to the lack of a beach badge.
"To be clear, Mr. Mahoney was not arrested for not having a beach badge. He was arrested because he obstructed the officer's investigation by refusing to give his identification or pedigree information," she stated.
The incident has raised questions about beach access rights and law enforcement practices.
Mahoney reportedly argued with the officers about the necessity of a beach badge for surfing, stating, "You're allowed to access the water to surf or to fish. You don't need a beach badge for that." Belmar Police Department / Facebook
The situation escalated when Mahoney attempted to leave the scene, leading to his forceful detainment. He now faces charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of justice, according to The Independent. Belmar Police Department / Facebook
