STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — After the release of alleged comments made in a text thread among some of the nation’s young Republican leaders, including two from Staten Island, the Richmond County Democratic Party is demanding an end to hate speech.
The text thread, exposed by Politico, included references to Hitler, gas chambers, and discriminatory remarks targeting various groups.
“President Trump and the Republican Party have created an environment where hateful rhetoric is not only spread widely, but condoned,” said Charles D. Fall Assembly deputy majority leader and chair of the Staten Island Democratic Party.
“It is tragic that this type of speech appears to be commonplace among the next generation of Republican leaders. It is time for the GOP to call out racist, violent language for what it is, stop gaslighting the American people by playing the victims, and instead foster a culture of respectful and constructive dialogue,” added Fall, whose district includes the North Shore, and parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
One Islander fired
Assemblymember Mike Reilly fired his chief of staff, Peter Giunta, due to alleged comments he made in the text thread.
Peter Giunta from NY State Assemblyman Mike Reilly’s Office speaks at the Community Board 3 meeting held at the Stolzenthaler Knights of Columbus regarding a truck terminal proposal on Sept.10,2025. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steven White |Advance/SIlive.comSteven White |Advance/SIlive.com
When Giunta was a candidate for chair of the Young Republican National Federation, troubling messages were reportedly exchanged during his campaign.
In the text chat, Giunta allegedly said: “I love Hitler,” and “everyone that votes no is going to the gas chamber.”
And it appears another Staten Islander was involved in the text chat.
Joe Maligno, who is a Staten Islander and vice president of the Staten Island Young Republicans Club, allegedly replied to the thread about the showers and Hitler. Politico reported that Maligno previously worked for Staten Island Judge Mary A. Kavanagh, but was no longer employed in Richmond County Civil Court.
The thread included a text from Giunta commenting on air travel, that reads: “If your pilot is a she and she looks 10 shades darker than someone from Sicily, just end it there. Scream the no no word.”
Giunta issued a public apology, expressing regret for the offensive language and claiming the messages may have been doctored. He also alleged that he was the target of a coordinated smear campaign by members of the New York City Young Republican Club, involving AI-generated content.
“The comments shared in the group chat that have been reported are extremely troubling and disappointing. They do not align with my values. As a result, Mr. Giunta’s assignment in my office has ended,” said Reilly to the Advance/SILive.com on Tuesday.
Politico’s investigation revealed a broader pattern of troubling behavior within the group chat, which spanned seven months and included racist, antisemitic, misogynistic, and homophobic remarks.
The messages reportedly praised slavery, discussed violent fantasies, and used deeply offensive language.
“They referred to Black people as monkeys and ‘the watermelon people’ and mused about putting their political opponents in gas chambers. They talked about raping their enemies and driving them to suicide and lauded Republicans who they believed support slavery,” wrote Politico.
“…The chat offers an unfiltered look at how a new generation of GOP activists talk when they think no one is listening,” wrote Politico.
Press conference to be held
The Staten Island Democratic Party, along with representatives from the NAACP and other community leaders, have planned a press conference to address the text chat for Wednesday, Oct. 15, in front of Republican headquarters at 2300 Richmond Rd., New Dorp at 2 p.m.
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