Hochul considering a face mask ban on New York City subways, citing antisemitic acts

Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed prohibiting face masks on New York’s public transportation system to address concerns about individuals using masks to conceal their identities while committing antisemitic acts. This suggestion comes amidst increased air quality alerts in many parts of the state and a surge in COVID cases.

During a press conference focused on public safety, Hochul highlighted recent incidents targeting Jewish New Yorkers, including vandalism at the Brooklyn Museum director’s home and a disturbing event on a subway where masked individuals frightened riders with anti-Semitic chants.

Hochul emphasized the need to prevent individuals from using masks to engage in criminal activities without accountability. She mentioned discussions with Mayor Eric Adams and state legislators regarding a potential crackdown on masks in public spaces. The previous state law banning face masks in public was lifted in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Mayor Adams expressed his support for the initiative, drawing a parallel between those using masks to conceal their identities and the Ku Klux Klan during an interview on the “Cats & Cosby” radio show.