Governor Hochul Considers Mask Ban on NYC Subways Amid Rising Pro-Palestinian Support Seen as Antisemitic Protests

On Thursday, June 13th, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she is considering implementing a partial ban on masks in the New York City subway system. This move follows recent images and videos of masked anti-Israel protesters on the subway, which have sparked significant concern on social media. Hochul emphasized the need to prevent individuals from using masks to evade responsibility for criminal or threatening behavior.

“We will not tolerate individuals using masks to evade responsibility for criminal or threatening behavior,” Hochul stated. “My team is working on a solution, but on a subway, people should not be able to hide behind a mask to commit crimes.”

In a related statement, Mayor Eric Adams echoed Hochul’s sentiments, comparing masked protesters to the Ku Klux Klan. “Cowards hide their face,” Adams remarked. “Dr. King did not hide his face when he marched and for the things he thought were wrong in the country. Those civil rights leaders did not hide their faces. They stood up. In contrast to that, the Klan hid their faces.”

Governor Hochul has initiated discussions with Mayor Adams and state lawmakers to explore the feasibility of a mask ban and to craft exemptions for health and religious reasons. This initiative aims to deter crime and ensure public safety in the city’s transit system.

For over a century, New York had a law that allowed police to charge someone with loitering if they were masked or disguised in public. However, this law was repealed in June 2020 during the pandemic and following civil unrest after the death of George Floyd. The repeal was driven by concerns that the law had been used to criminalize protest and conflicted with pandemic-era masking mandates.

Hochul acknowledged the need for legislative support to reinstate some form of mask restriction. She noted the importance of considering religious facial coverings, health-related masks, and cultural celebrations like Halloween in any new legislation. “It’s time for a reset as we consider that as an option,” she said. “But again, I want to work with our legislative leaders and find out how we can address this in a way that’s thoughtful.”

The state Legislature concluded its 2024 session last week and is not scheduled to return until January. However, lawmakers may reconvene sooner to address urgent issues such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) capital budget shortfall.

This proposed mask ban comes at a time when New York City continues to grapple with maintaining public safety, addressing antisemitic incidents, and anti-muslim incidents.