Social media went wild for the aerial images of the New Jersey governor relaxing in a chair with his family, who were the only ones on the beach.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is facing major backlash after he was spotted on a public beach after he ordered public parks closed down amid a state government shutdown.
Read: Did Chris Christie's Wife Roll Her Eyes At Trump's Comments About Hillary?
As summer got into full swing ahead of the Independence Day holiday weekend, the governor and his family were photographed at Island Beach State Park enjoying some fun in the sun.
PHOTOS: Christie, family soak up sun on N.J. beach he closed to public https://t.co/cK4Thptfdq
— The Star-Ledger (@starledger) July 3, 2017
The image was captured by New Jersey Advance Media and was posted Sunday afternoon soon after it was shot, sparking ire across the state.
If Chris Christie thinks he can turn this around I've got a bridge I wanna shut down for him.
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) July 3, 2017
I have always been a big Chris Christie fan but after seeing him on a private beach this weekend I have lost all respect for him#gov Christy
— Anthony Pino (@AnthonyPino561) July 3, 2017
Yes, Trenton, people are PISSED. Perhaps you'd like to hear some of their stories?
— Kevin Whitmer (@kevinwhitmer) July 1, 2017
#njshutdown https://t.co/9DDTDxfyzY
It also caused a roar on social media as users began making memes of Christie living a carefree life in other scenarios.
Possible places Chris Christie might shut down for his own personal use: pic.twitter.com/FYF2cuYVpF
— Anthony Dinardo (@magicdinardo) July 3, 2017
I don't think it's possible for Americans to dislike politicians more than they do right now
— Michael Cohen (@speechboy71) July 3, 2017
Chris Christie: Hold my beer pic.twitter.com/h9V6Xt5sqG
Chris Christie: From Here to Eternity pic.twitter.com/Rxf6uZhjLW
— Nell Scovell (@NellSco) July 3, 2017
The photos were taken before Christie had to report to Trenton, NJ, for a news conference about the shutdown.
Read: Trump Tells Chris Christie 'No More Oreos,' Despite Having Stake in Company That Makes Them
Reporters asked the governor if he had gotten any sun, to which he replied: “I didn’t. I didn’t get any sun today.”
When asked the same question, Christie spokesman Brian Murray told reporters, "He did not get any sun. He had a baseball hat on."
Christie also insisted that the area he was on is separate from the park and he was not utilizing state services.
“Run for governor, and you can have a residence there,” he told reporters.
Watch: Chris Christie on Vulgar Trump Remarks: 'It Is Completely Indefensible'
