UNITED STATES: N/Jersey governor enjoys beach he closed to public

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is facing heavy criticism after he was photographed relaxing on a state beach he had ordered closed to the public. The Republican gave the go-ahead for non-essential services to be shut down – including the Island State Beach Park – over the 4 July holiday weekend because of a budget […]

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is facing heavy criticism after he was photographed relaxing on a state beach he had ordered closed to the public.

The Republican gave the go-ahead for non-essential services to be shut down – including the Island State Beach Park – over the 4 July holiday weekend because of a budget impasse.

“I didn’t get any sun today,” he said, before the aerial photos emerged.

The pictures show Mr Christie and his family on an otherwise empty beach.

Other visitors were turned away by police.

The governor defended his actions on Monday morning, telling Fox News that he had said earlier in the week he intended to spend time with his family at his beach property.